Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Greece and the European Union

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform various facets of society and the economy, Greece is called to strategically prepare, develop policies, and assert its position on the European and global innovation landscape. To address these crucial topics, New Democracy MEP Dimitris Tsiodras is hosting a conference titled “Greece and the EU in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 to 14:30, at the Hermes Hall of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This conference will explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI at both European and national levels. The goal is to foster a secure, humane, and democratic digital future while enhancing Greece’s contribution to innovation and the formulation of human-centered policies.

Attendees will include European Commissioners, government representatives, academics, and AI specialists, discussing topics such as:
– The European AI Regulation (AI Act), the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI.
– The development of the Greek AI ecosystem.
– The effects of AI on the economy, education, and health.
– Policies to ensure democratic, responsible, and transparent AI use.
The discussions will reference the “Plan for Greece’s Transition to the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” created by the Advisory Committee on AI in coordination with the General Secretariat for Long-Term Planning. This strategic framework outlines the country’s vision and actions for integrating AI into society and the economy.
Admission is free, inviting any interested citizens, professionals, or organizations to engage in the public dialogue on digital transformation.

Detailed Workshop Agenda:

10:00 – Registration
10:30 – 10:50 | Opening Remarks
Dimitris Tsiodras – Member of the European Parliament, New Democracy
Pavlos Marinakis – Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Government Spokesman
Yannis Mastrogeorgiou – Special Secretary of Long-term Planning, Presidency of the Government
Yannis Bratakos – President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

10:50 – 11:00 | Remarks by European Commission Officials
Henna Virkkunen – Executive Vice President of the European Commission, responsible for Technological Autonomy
Ekaterina Zaharieva – European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation

11:00 – 11:50 | Panel 1: AI and the Economy
Moderator: Dimitris Tsiodras
Speakers:
Kyriakos Pierrakakis – Minister of National Economy and Finance
Markos Veremis – Chairman of SEV Innovation Committee, Partner at BigPi Ventures
Stefanos Kollias – Professor Emeritus at NTUA, Chairman of EDYTE
Vangelis Karkaletsis – Director of IPT “Demokritos,” Technical Coordinator of AI Factory “Pharos”

11:50 – 12:40 | Panel 2: AI and Education
Moderator: Orpheus Georgiou – President of ONNED
Christian Ehler – MEP, EPP Coordinator in the ITRE Committee
Speakers:
Sofia Zacharaki – Minister of Education
Zosia Zofax Zacharias – President of the National Commission for Bioethics & Technology Ethics, Researcher at the European Centre for Bioethics and Technology
Christos Tarantilis – Professor at OPA, Partner at EY
George Nikoletakis – Founder & CEO, 100mentors

12:40 – 13:30 | Panel 3: AI and Health
Moderator: Vassilis Psychogios – Physician, Treasurer of the Panhellenic Medical Association
Speakers:
Adonis Georgiadis – Minister of Health
Ismeni Kriari – Former Rector of Panteion University, President of the National Authority of IYA
Stathis Efstathopoulos – Vice Rector of Research and Innovation, National Academy of Sciences
Dr. Georgios Lainas – Gynecologist, Scientific Director of “Eugenia,” former Head of ESHRE

13:30 – 14:30 | Panel 4: The Greek Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem
Moderator: Spyros Dimitrelis – Journalist, Director of Capital.gr
Speakers:
Timmos Sellis – Director of the “Archimedes” Unit, “Athena” EC
Tasos Vassiliadis – Founder of JOIST Innovation Park
Dimitra Marina Yordamli – Corporate Relations Manager, Prisma Electronics
Sotiris Karagiannis – Chief Innovation Officer, Space Hellas
Panagiotis Konstantinidis – Co-Founder & CEO of EVENLY