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Greece adopts national framework to implement EU AI Act

The Greek Parliament has approved the national implementing framework for the EU AI Act, making Greece one of the first member states to establish a comprehensive national system for enforcing the regulation.

The new law in Greece establishes the institutional framework for supervising AI systems, coordinating enforcement, supporting innovation and ensuring compliance with the EU AI Act.

The legislation designates the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA) as the central market surveillance authority and the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) as the notifying authority, while establishing a dedicated AI Coordination and Expertise Centre.

It also introduces complaint procedures, administrative sanctions, a national registry of AI systems used by public authorities, regulatory sandboxes for AI testing and criminal penalties for removing transparency labels from deepfake content.

Alongside the implementing framework, the government presented its broader national AI strategy, highlighting investments in infrastructure, data governance and research. These include the Daedalus supercomputer, the Pharos AI Factory, new high-performance computing infrastructure in Kozani, the data.gov.gr platform and partnerships with companies such as Mistral and ElevenLabs, which the government said will strengthen Greece’s AI capabilities and technological sovereignty.

The government said these initiatives form part of a coordinated strategy to strengthen Greece’s AI capabilities and technological sovereignty.

The minister also highlighted current and planned AI applications across the public sector, including tools to accelerate legal reviews at the Hellenic Cadastre and improve public access to parliamentary work through AI services for the Hellenic Parliament.

Additional provisions include the creation of a digital registry for accessibility infrastructure, which will integrate with the MyStreet application to improve mobility for people with disabilities.

Why does it matter?

The legislation gives Greece the institutional architecture needed to implement the EU AI Act while combining regulatory oversight with investment in AI infrastructure and innovation. By establishing supervisory authorities, regulatory sandboxes and governance mechanisms alongside major computing and data initiatives, Greece is seeking to align AI regulation with industrial and digital development.

The framework also illustrates how implementation of the AI Act is becoming a national governance exercise rather than simply a compliance task. As member states designate authorities and build supporting institutions, national implementation strategies are likely to shape how consistently the Act is applied across the EU.

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Greece begins parliamentary debate on EU AI Act implementation

Greece has introduced a draft law to implement the EU AI Act, becoming one of the first EU member states to establish a comprehensive national governance framework for enforcing the regulation.

The legislation aims to promote the safe, trustworthy and human-centred use of AI while protecting fundamental rights and supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and economic competitiveness.

The draft law designates the Hellenic Data Protection Authority as the national market surveillance authority and national contact point under the AI Act, while assigning the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission as the notifying authority.

It also establishes an Artificial Intelligence Coordination and Know-how Centre to provide technical expertise to regulators, alongside a unified complaints mechanism and an administrative sanctions framework to support enforcement.

To encourage responsible innovation, the proposal introduces an AI regulatory sandbox, allowing startups and small and medium-sized enterprises to test AI applications under regulatory supervision.

The legislation also creates a Unified Registry of Public Artificial Intelligence Systems to strengthen transparency and accountability, while expanding the role of Greece’s AI Observatory in monitoring implementation of the National AI Strategy.

According to the Ministry of Digital Governance, the framework follows the AI Act’s risk-based approach by applying oversight measures proportionate to the risks posed by different AI systems.

The proposal builds on Greece’s broader AI strategy, including the creation of the Special Secretariat for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance, with the aim of balancing innovation, economic development and the protection of fundamental rights.

Why does it matter?

Greece is positioning itself among the first EU member states to translate the AI Act into operational national institutions and enforcement mechanisms. By establishing supervisory authorities, a regulatory sandbox and governance structures ahead of key implementation deadlines, the country aims to provide greater legal certainty for businesses while supporting responsible AI innovation.

The legislation also illustrates how the AI Act will increasingly be implemented through national institutions rather than EU bodies alone. As other member states develop their own enforcement frameworks, differences in implementation could shape how consistently the regulation is applied across the European Union.

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China calls for greater self-reliance in science and technology

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for faster progress towards high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, arguing that innovation should become the primary driver of China’s modernisation.

Speaking at the national science and technology conference in Beijing, Xi described the 2026–2030 period as critical to achieving China’s goal of becoming a global science and technology leader by 2035.

Xi highlighted China’s recent advances in AI, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing, robotics, pharmaceuticals and space exploration. At the same time, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including gaps in original innovation, inefficient research investment and shortages of high-quality scientific talent.

He called for stronger coordination of national research priorities, greater support for technology transfer, improved intellectual property protection and a financial system better aligned with scientific and technological innovation.

Xi also emphasised the importance of frontier technologies, calling for greater investment in AI, quantum technologies, life sciences, integrated circuits, and strategic areas including deep-sea, deep-space and deep-earth exploration.

He argued that scientific research should become more application-oriented while industry should play a greater role in scientific discovery, strengthening links between research institutions and commercial innovation.

Alongside investment, Xi stressed that technological development must remain secure, ethical and people-centred. He called for stronger governance of AI and other emerging technologies, clearer ethical standards, improved security risk monitoring and greater support for young scientific talent.

China also honoured 258 scientific projects and researchers during the conference, underscoring the country’s continued emphasis on innovation as a strategic national priority.

Why does it matter?

The speech reinforces China’s long term strategy of reducing dependence on foreign technologies while accelerating domestic innovation in critical fields such as AI, semiconductors and quantum computing. It also illustrates how Beijing increasingly views scientific leadership as a foundation of economic competitiveness, national security and geopolitical influence.

By linking research policy, industrial development and AI governance, China is pursuing a coordinated model in which technological innovation is treated as a strategic state priority. That approach is likely to shape global competition in emerging technologies as countries race to build sovereign capabilities in frontier sectors.

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Spanish minister says AI regulation boosts competitiveness and trust

Spain’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, said that AI regulation strengthens competitiveness rather than discouraging investment. Speaking at the Foro Talento España event organised by TRIVU, he argued that trust is becoming a key factor in the development and adoption of AI.

López pointed to OpenAI’s decision to open its first office in Spain as evidence that AI regulation can coexist with innovation and investment. He said Spain’s approach helps create a more predictable and trustworthy environment for businesses and technology development.

The minister also highlighted government investments in digital skills and talent development. He cited initiatives including the National Digital Skills Plan, university programmes focused on AI and cybersecurity, and plans to recruit 1,600 ICT specialists for the public sector.

These efforts have contributed to growth in higher education, technology training and STEM employment. Speaking in Madrid, López said continued investment in talent, digital skills and emerging technologies will be essential as AI and other advanced digital sectors continue to evolve in Spain.

Why does it matter?

The relationship between AI regulation and innovation remains a central policy debate worldwide. While some argue that regulation could slow investment and technological development, others contend that clear rules can increase trust, reduce uncertainty and encourage long-term adoption.

Spain’s position reflects a growing European approach that views regulation and innovation as complementary rather than competing objectives. By combining AI governance measures with investments in skills, education and digital talent, policymakers are seeking to build an environment that supports both technological development and public trust.

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China showcases AI innovation and global cooperation at World Intelligence Expo 2026

The 2026 World Intelligence Expo has opened in Tianjin, bringing together more than 700 exhibitors to present AI technologies, products, and application scenarios.

The four-day event is co-hosted by the municipal governments of Tianjin and Chongqing under the theme ‘Intelligence: Extensive Development Space, Sustainable Growth Driver’. It features seven exhibition zones covering embodied AI, core AI technologies, the low-altitude economy, commercial space exploration, and other emerging technology areas.

Chinese officials used the event to emphasise the integration of AI into manufacturing, industrial operations, and the broader digital economy. Ke Jixin, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology, said the ministry would advance the ‘AI+ manufacturing’ initiative, strengthen innovation capabilities, and improve the industrial environment for AI development.

A major focus of the expo is developing high-quality datasets to support intelligent manufacturing. Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration, said China would support industry leaders and pilot entities in building sector-specific datasets in areas including automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, rail transit, non-ferrous metals, and petrochemicals.

The event also highlighted China’s interest in expanding international AI cooperation. Chen Jiachang, Vice Minister of Science and Technology, said China is making AI a priority in bilateral and multilateral technology cooperation, including capacity development.

Representatives from countries including the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan discussed potential cooperation with China across AI, advanced technologies, the digital economy, the internet of things, fintech, medical technology, and software.

More than 200 new products, technologies, achievements, and research reports are expected to be released during the expo, covering embodied AI, intelligent connected vehicles, the low-altitude economy, smart manufacturing, and smart living.

Why does it matter?

The expo reflects China’s effort to position AI as a driver of industrial upgrading, manufacturing competitiveness, and digital economic growth. The focus on sector-specific datasets is particularly important because data infrastructure is becoming a core part of AI industrial policy. The international cooperation messaging also shows how China is using AI events to strengthen technology partnerships and capacity-building ties, especially with countries interested in smart cities, fintech, healthcare technology, and digital infrastructure.

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China launches AI ethics review pilot programme

A national pilot programme for AI ethics review and services has been launched by China, as authorities move to strengthen oversight of growing risks linked to advanced AI systems.

The initiative, announced by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, aims to establish practical mechanisms for AI ethics governance as concerns over algorithmic discrimination, emotional dependence, and broader societal risks continue to grow. Authorities said the initiative will initially operate in provincial-level regions hosting national AI industrial innovation pilot zones. It will focus on refining provincial AI ethics review rules, supporting the creation of ethics committees, and developing specialised ethics review and service centres. Chinese regulators also plan to transform the ethics review process into technical standards while improving mechanisms for reporting AI-related ethical concerns.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has also called for the creation of a national AI ethics risk monitoring service network, along with training materials, ethics education courses, and early-warning systems to support pilot cities.

By embedding ethics reviews into AI development and deployment processes, China appears to be building a more institutionalised framework for managing the societal and technological risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems.

Why does it matter?

China’s latest move signals a shift from broad AI governance principles towards operational enforcement mechanisms embedded directly into regional innovation ecosystems. The programme could influence how other governments approach AI oversight, particularly as global concerns grow over algorithmic bias, psychological manipulation, and accountability in frontier AI systems.

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Cyprus defence minister highlights role of AI and advanced technologies in defence

The Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has said that AI and advanced technologies are transforming defence, requiring stronger domestic capabilities. His remarks were recently reported by the Cyprus Mail.

He highlighted the growing roles of AI, autonomous systems, cyberdefence and space technology, stressing the need to secure supply chains and meet the National Guard’s requirements.

Palmas said participation in the European defence innovation programmes is a strategic priority, supporting local technological development and integration into wider industry networks.

The country is advancing several funded projects, strengthening research infrastructure, and preparing a national defence industry plan. The comments were made at an event in Cyprus.

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World Economic Forum analysis explains what drives startup growth today

Findings from the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlight a shift in how early-stage ventures grow from pilot projects into fully operational businesses.

Evidence gathered from more than 200 start-ups by UpLink, the early-stage innovation initiative by WEF, alongside investors and policymakers, suggests that scaling no longer depends primarily on innovation itself, but on the conditions enabling deployment.

Core and emerging technologies already exist across sectors, yet barriers remain in market adoption, coordination, and institutional readiness.

Resilience has moved from a strategic ambition to an immediate operational requirement. Start-ups are increasingly built around urgent, clearly defined problems, allowing them to adapt quickly in volatile environments shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruption, and climate pressures.

Strong partnerships have emerged as a central priority, with a significant majority of ventures seeking collaboration with larger corporate actors to gain access to infrastructure, regulatory pathways, and credibility.

Collaboration at early stages is proving essential in reducing risk and accelerating adoption. Traditional scaling models, based on proving technology before securing buyers, are losing effectiveness in complex sectors with high institutional risk.

Shared responsibility across multiple stakeholders enables innovation to move beyond demonstration phases into real-world application, particularly when aligned with procurement systems and regulatory frameworks.

Commercial viability has also become central to scaling success. Impact alone is no longer sufficient, as investors and buyers increasingly prioritise measurable financial outcomes such as cost efficiency, risk reduction, and resilience.

Market signals, including early contracts and partnerships, now outweigh funding rounds as indicators of credibility.

Why does it matter?

The WEF analysis underscores that scalable growth depends less on innovation alone and more on coordinated ecosystems that turn pilots into real-world adoption.

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New India partnership targets AI innovation and digital transformation

Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advanced technologies and digital transformation. The agreement focuses on joint projects, consultancy, and technical support across sectors.

The partnership covers AI, machine learning, Internet of Things, cybersecurity, 5G, and cloud computing. It also includes the development of turnkey solutions, technology transfer, and the commercialisation of innovative products.

Capacity development is a key component of the collaboration. Both organisations will support workforce upskilling and skill development to strengthen technical capabilities.

Officials stated that the partnership aims to leverage complementary strengths to deliver technology solutions. It is also expected to support innovation and contribute to India’s broader digital development objectives.

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South Korea leads AI patents per capita while strengthening models and policy frameworks

According to the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI‘s AI Index 2026 report, South Korea leads globally in AI patents per capita, reflecting a high concentration of innovation relative to population size.

Such a measure highlights the country’s strong research and development intensity in emerging technologies.

While China and the US dominate in total patent volume, South Korea ranks first in innovation density and third in the number of notable AI models, indicating a balanced performance across research output and technological deployment.

The findings also point to rapid growth in generative AI adoption, alongside sustained legislative activity.

Over recent years, multiple AI-related laws have been enacted, positioning South Korea among the leading economies in developing governance frameworks to support innovation.

The combination of technical output, policy support and adoption trends illustrates how coordinated national strategies can strengthen AI ecosystems, linking research capacity with regulatory development and real-world application.

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