The new open data portal Data.gov.gr,<\/b> which aspires to become the central point of access to data<\/b> of the Greek Government <\/b>for citizens, researchers, science, businesses and organisations, <\/b>presented today at the Ministry of Digital Governance.<\/p>\n
The central message<\/b> of the presentation was that open data is no longer a theoretical debate<\/b> about the future, but a critical tool for transparency, innovation and development. That they are not just a technological infrastructure,<\/b> but a new model for the functioning of the state. A model that attempts to turn information<\/b> into a public good, available to all, with the aim of growth, transparency and fostering innovation in the digital age.<\/p>\n
The Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou,<\/b> described the presentation of the platform<\/b> as a “very big moment” for public administration and Greek digital policy,<\/b> stressing that “there is no artificial intelligence without open data”. He said that for years the country had a significant deficit<\/b> in the open data part, noting that “there was a black hole” around the availability and availability of public data.<\/p>\n
He stressed that the project was not easy, and<\/b> “it is a difficult task to convince the Greek public sector to open its data”, explaining that for decades the necessary culture of data exploitation and availability had not existed. “Open data is a wealth and we need to understand its value,” he said.<\/p>\n
The minister particularly stressed the importance of quality<\/b> and updating of data<\/b>, noting that what is needed is not just the collection of a large amount of information, but the existence of reliable, up-to-date and reusable data. As he said, this data can be a “source of basis for new applications”, giving a boost to innovation, startups,<\/b> the university community and research activity.<\/p>\n
Referring to the course of the project, Dimitris Papastergiou referred to a “due” step<\/b> towards modern digital governance, noting that Greece had to catch up with other European countries. He recalled that a few years ago there were only 80 datasets available, while today the new portal brings together 9,523 open datasets,31,441 data resources, 22 data services<\/b> and 455 organisations.<\/b><\/p>\n
During the event, reference was also made to the use of artificial intelligence<\/b> in public services, with the minister linking Data.gov.gr to the wider digital ecosystem being created in the country. In this context, he also mentioned the new digital infrastructures being developed, noting that “soon Daedalus will begin to strike”, referring to the new possibilities expected to be created in the field of artificial intelligence and data analysis.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the minister made a special reference to the need for continuous cooperation<\/b> with society, the university community and research institutions, so that data can be used effectively and return value to citizens.<\/p>\n
For his part, the special secretary for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance, Vassilis Karkatzounis,<\/b> described the project as a “collective effort” that requires the participation of all public institutions. Presenting the vision and mission of the new platform, he stressed that the Data.gov.gr portal is now the central directory of open data of the Hellenic Republic, providing unified access to public sector data.<\/p>\n
According to him, the vision of the platform is based on four main axes<\/b>: simple, transparent and reliable access to public data, improving their quality and reuse, enhancing innovation and informed decision-making, as well as the continuous improvement of the platform through cooperation with organisations, citizens and businesses.<\/p>\n
Special emphasis was also placed on the institutional framework of the portal’s operation. Vassilis Karkatzounis<\/b> made it clear that publishing open data “is not an option, but a legal obligation”. As he explained, the new philosophy of the state is based on the principle of “open by default – closed if there is a reason”<\/p>\n
“All data is published open in principle, unless there is a specific reason not to publish it, such as personal data issues,” he said, adding that now “the exception needs justification” and that “the burden of proof changes hands”.<\/p>\n
An important part of the presentation was devoted to data quality. As was pointed out, the new portal does not aspire to function as a simple “repository of records”,<\/b>but as an organised data infrastructure with specific quality characteristics.<\/p>\n
For this reason, each dataset included in the platform<\/b> should meet criteria relating to metadata completeness, regular updates, use of open formats, clear licensing, privacy and interoperability.<\/p>\n
The path to the current form of the platform was described as a “long journey”<\/b>that started as early as 2013. According to the data presented, in 2020<\/b> there were only 83 datasets from 28 organisations, while in 2025 the Special Secretariat for AI and Data Governance was established, which was tasked with coordinating the national strategy.<\/p>\n
During the presentation, the key benefits<\/b> expected to result from the widespread availability of open data were also highlighted. It was pointed out that access to public data enhances transparency and democracy, as citizens gain the ability to scrutinise the actions of the state through real data. At the same time, trust in the institutions is strengthened.<\/p>\n
Special reference was also made to the economic dimension of the project. According to ministry officials, open data create a significant economic impact, as businesses<\/b> and startups can use them to develop new products and services without acquisition costs.<\/p>\n
Significant benefits are also expected for the operation of the State, since the existence of centrally available data reduces bureaucracy and reduces the need to repeat procedures between agencies. As highlighted, agencies will now be able to use existing data instead of “rebuilding what already exists,<\/b>a fact that enhances cooperation between ministries and agencies.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the new platform is expected to serve as a critical tool<\/b> for informed decision-making, as well as for research and innovation. Universities and researchers will gain access to large datasets on health, climate, society and other areas, without the need for special licences or additional funding for their collection.<\/p>\n
At the European level, the connection<\/b> with the European<\/b> portal data.europe.eu <\/b>is expected to make Greek data visible and usable throughout Europe, strengthening the country’s position in the European digital ecosystem.<\/p>\n
Special emphasis was also placed on the environmental and social value of the data, as information on energy, environment and climate can be used for the design of policies related to the green transition and sustainable development.<\/p>\n
The portal Data.gov.gr<\/b> already includes a wide range of thematic categories, such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food, education, culture and sport, environment, health, justice and public safety, population and society, <\/b>transport, economy and finance, energy, government and public sector, international affairs, regions and cities, science and technology, and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
According to ministry officials, the development of the platform<\/b> is part of projects funded by the Recovery Fund, and the next big goal is to convince even more institutions to open their data and keep it continuously updated and of high quality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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