In a pivotal moment for Greek public administration, the Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, outlined the next stage of the country's digital evolution: the definitive abolition of the requirement for citizens to submit certificates.
From Bureaucracy to the gov.gr Era
Speaking at Naftemporiki’s 2nd N-TIF Forum, Papastergiou stated that competent public sector services will henceforth retrieve necessary documents digitally, sparing citizens from the task. According to the Minister, the transition from a bureaucratic administration to the digital era was achieved in less than a decade, with gov.gr now serving as the state's central pillar.
Despite technological progress, the Minister noted that Citizen Service Centres (KEPs) remain vital for those unfamiliar with technology, even as digital services continue to expand.
Artificial Intelligence and Road Safety
Papastergiou also addressed the application of AI to improve road safety. He revealed that more than 400 AI-powered cameras are currently operating on the country's roads, acting as a deterrent to dangerous driving behavior. He highlighted that 50% fewer road accidents were recorded in August, a significant figure for a month that traditionally sees the highest number of road fatalities.
Infrastructure and the 'Daedalus' Supercomputer
A major focus of his address was the new infrastructure funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility:
- The national supercomputer "Daedalus" is expected to be switched on at the end of September.
- A second supercomputer in Kozani is scheduled for October.
- Greece has already submitted its proposal for the European Union’s AI gigafactories.
Finally, the Minister emphasized the importance of the fiber-optic network strengthening Greece’s connectivity with the Arab world, positioning the country as an attractive destination for international investment.