Greek PM Mitsotakis Warns Governments Are Fighting Yesterday’s AI Battle

During a typical trade mission most leaders stick to a rehearsed script, highlighting their country’s strengths and investment opportunities. In a rare departure from that playbook, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis opened up to TechCrunch about a far more pressing challenge: artificial intelligence.

“We’re already fighting yesterday’s battle,” Mitsotakis said, acknowledging that governments worldwide are still operating with outdated policies while AI races ahead. He emphasized that AI is not a fleeting trend but a transformative force that will reshape economies, labor markets, and security frameworks within a few years.

The prime minister admitted that Greece, like many other nations, is caught in a legislative lag. Current regulations were drafted for a pre‑AI era, and they are ill‑equipped to address issues such as algorithmic bias, data sovereignty, and the displacement of workers. “We keep trying to apply old rules to a new reality,” he explained, underscoring the urgency of a comprehensive policy overhaul.

Mitsotakis outlined a multi‑pronged strategy his administration is beginning to adopt. First, the education system will receive a major revamp to embed digital literacy and AI‑related skills from primary school onward. Second, a national task force will draft updated data protection and cybersecurity laws that reflect the scale and speed of AI‑driven data processing. Third, the government plans to launch a reskilling initiative aimed at workers most vulnerable to automation, partnering with private tech firms and universities.

On the international front, the Greek leader warned that the problem is not confined to Athens. “Every country is grappling with the same lag,” he said, calling for greater cooperation among EU members and beyond to establish shared ethical standards and best‑practice frameworks.

Mitsotakis also highlighted AI’s potential upside when applied responsibly—improving healthcare diagnostics, optimizing energy grids, and enhancing public services. Yet he cautioned that these benefits can only be realized if policymakers act now, rather than reacting after the technology has already reshaped society.

The interview serves as a stark reminder that AI’s rapid ascent is outpacing government preparedness. Mitsotakis’s candid remarks are a call to action for legislators, industry leaders, and citizens alike to shape the next wave of technological change before it becomes an uncontrollable force.

Source: TechCrunch

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