Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis talked with OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman during an event on the company’s cooperation with the Greek government, focused on the theme “AI in Schools.”

Mitsotakis: AI can radically change education and benefit students

Speaking about the opportunities AI can bring, Mitsotakis said, “We see some applications of artificial intelligence that are of particular interest to us. The health sector, where the opportunities are truly immense. Education, of course, which we are discussing today through an excellent initiative to integrate AI into our schools. And a third pillar is creating a dynamic ecosystem of startups.”

He added that Greece, after a difficult period, is now able to support many startups working in AI both inside and outside the country. “Thanks to European funds, we can back our ideas and work toward creating an AI hub in Greece,” he said.

Mitsotakis stressed that Greece has a large number of AI specialists working abroad, but “we would like them to return home.” At the same time, he emphasized the need to address challenges posed by AI.

Asked about the relationship between minors and technology, the prime minister noted, “AI can help teachers organize their classrooms better and support children who learn at different speeds. It can truly transform and radically change education, with students themselves benefiting greatly. Our students already use ChatGPT from OpenAI, and we want to see how we can integrate such AI tools to enhance learning.”

However, he underlined the importance of safeguards. “We are also very focused on the challenges. Children’s mental health is a very important issue for us and will be a key part of the regulations we establish for AI,” he said. Mitsotakis added that while he believes in entrepreneurship, he also supports EU-level regulation “to protect both democracy and minors, ensuring there is no hostile or toxic environment.”