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Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Special Secretariat for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance of the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Athena Research Center

19-05-2026

The Special Secretariat for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance of the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Athena Research Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing joint actions and initiatives in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and advanced digital technologies, with the objective of strengthening efficiency, innovation, and the digital transformation of Public Administration.

The Memorandum was signed on Monday, 18 May 2026, at the Athena Research Center, by the Secretary General for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance, Dr. Vasilis Karkatzounis, and the President of the Board and Director General of the Athena Research Center, Professor Ioannis Emiris.

The collaboration aims to leverage advanced Artificial Intelligence technologies for the modernization of critical Public Administration functions through actions that include, among others:

the development of intelligent document management and data analysis systems,
the use of natural language processing technologies,
the automation of citizen support services,
the development of tools supporting the management of legal texts,
the creation of infrastructures and testing frameworks for high-impact Artificial Intelligence applications within the framework of the European regulatory framework for AI (AI Act).

An important role in the implementation of the collaboration will be undertaken by the “Archimedes” Unit of the Athena Research Center, which specializes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Algorithms.

The collaboration forms part of the strategy to strengthen innovation and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the public sector, with the aim of improving services provided to citizens and businesses, as well as further enhancing the country’s digital readiness.

Following the signing of the Memorandum, the Secretary General for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance of the Ministry of Digital Governance, Mr. Vasileios-Michail Karkatzounis, stated:

“The cooperation between the Special Secretariat for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance of the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Athena Research Center is of strategic importance for strengthening and further promoting the country’s digital transformation. It constitutes an important step towards leveraging technology and research through the development, operation, and evaluation of digital applications based on Artificial Intelligence technologies and data.”

The President of the Board and Director General of the Athena Research Center, Professor Ioannis Emiris, emphasized:

“As the only research center in Greece exclusively focused on digital sciences, the Athena Research Center places high priority on the dissemination of modern digital technologies across the economy and public administration. Within the framework of this strategy, the collaboration between the ‘Archimedes’ Unit and the Special Secretariat for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance opens new pathways for the implementation of Artificial Intelligence tools that we develop, with the aim of facilitating citizens’ everyday interactions and strengthening the digital readiness of Greek society.”

The two organizations reaffirmed their commitment to actively contribute to strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and to promoting the use of new technologies and Artificial Intelligence within Public Administration, with the goal of continuously upgrading the quality of services provided to citizens.