With investments exceeding 300 million euros, the “Daedalus” supercomputer, and the AI Factory PHAROS, Greeceis emerging as a regional hub for Artificial Intelligence.
Greece is decisively strengthening its footprint on the European map of research, innovation and advanced digital technologies, claiming a leading role in the developments shaping the future of science and Artificial Intelligence. This message was sent by the Deputy Minister of Development, Stavros Kalafatis, at the International Symposium on Science Diplomacy, highlighting the government’s strategic choice to invest in research infrastructure, international collaborations, and cutting-edge technologies. As he emphasized, the country now possesses the institutional tools, the scientific talent, and the conditions for development to evolve into a strong regional hub of innovation in Southeast Europe, linking knowledge production with economic growth, outward-looking policies, and improvements in citizens’ daily lives.
“Greece is changing course in the areas of research, science, and innovation” stressed Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis in his opening remarks at the International Symposium on the theme: “Greece’s Role in European Science Diplomacy: Building Connections, Shaping the Future,” which is co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) of the Ministry of Development, the European Commission, and the European Alliance for Science Diplomacy.
The statement
In his statement, Mr. Kalafatis emphasized that Science and Technology Diplomacy constitutes a horizontal, national strategic choice, with the relevant ministries functioning as a unified mechanism for outreach. “Greece no longer merely observes developments; it helps shape them. It has transformed from a country of promise into a mature, institutionally robust, and highly dynamic hub of cutting-edge technology and innovation in Southeast Europe,” he pointed out.
The key themes and strategic announcements of the speech:
• Claiming the Mediterranean Hub: On the occasion of the recent adoption of the European Recommendation on Science Diplomacy (May 29, 2026), the Deputy Minister sent a clear message stating that Greece, by leveraging its strategic partnership with France, can vigorously claim to be at the forefront, as well as the headquarters of the “Center for Mediterranean Scientific Diplomacy” currently being established.
• Institutional Pioneering: The country has already taken action, establishing on April 30, 2026, the specialized Sectoral Scientific Council (TES) for synergies with the Greek Scientific Diaspora and Technological Diplomacy within the framework of ESETEK, under the leadership of Dr. George Kotrotsios.
• Major Investments and AI Infrastructure: The government is bolstering national research centers with a historic investment exceeding 300 million euros. At the same time, with flagship infrastructure projects such as the national supercomputer “Daedalus” and the “PHAROS” Artificial Intelligence facility (based at Demokritos and involving a partnership between Athena, CERTH, and FORTH), Greece is becoming a regional AI hub for all of Southeast Europe.
• Pan-European Leadership: Through the “Horizon Europe” program and the PRIMA Mediterranean partnership, Greek scientists are taking the lead, placing Greece in 4th place pan-Europeanly.
The goal
“For us, research and innovation are not theoretical exercises. They have a profound developmental and social purpose,” emphasized Mr. Kalafatis, outlining the three pillars of government policy: the major national initiative of Brain Gain, linking knowledge with production to strengthen the real economy, and improving citizens’ daily lives in the areas of health, the environment, and security.
In closing, the Deputy Minister issued a call to young researchers, describing them as the country’s best ambassadors, and noted that today’s Symposium serves as the roadmap for the next major milestone: the European Conference on Science Diplomacy, which Greece will host in 2027, the year the country will assume the Presidency of the European Union.
