The Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou participated in the Council of Telecommunications Ministers of the European Union in Brussels today. The main issue he dealt with was the approval of the council’s position on the “Gigabit Infrastructure Act” Regulation proposal, aimed at reducing the high cost of installing high-capacity electronic communications infrastructure.

In the focus of the dialogue were also issues related to technological progress, competitiveness and investments in digital infrastructure. In addition, ministers received a report on progress on countering cyber threats (CSoA) and strengthening cyber security measures.

The minister, in his position on the “Gigabit Infrastructure Act” Regulation, emphasized our country’s interest in the progress of the Regulation and proposed the adoption of a more realistic schedule. At the same time, he stated that our country could agree to the text of the General Approach, expressing the need for further simplification of the negotiation procedures with the Parliament.

He also underlined Greece’s support from the outset for the “AI ACT” Regulation proposal, pointing out the need for the necessary flexibility, so that the regulatory framework does not become an obstacle for competitiveness, sustainable development and the creation of innovative applications and services with a human-centered approach , while also emphasizing the need to strengthen digital accessibility.

In his statements, Mr. Papastergiou noted the important role that Greece can play as a critical gateway for the strengthening of broadband throughout Europe. In addition, he emphasized the interest of the Greek government in relation to the developments around Artificial Intelligence and the formation of a coherent framework that will not “silence” technology and will have a clear human-centered approach. He did not fail, among other things, to refer separately to the proposal submitted by Greece for the “National Program of Small Satellites” with the aim of providing the possibility, as well as the tools, to deal with the climate crisis. At the same time, he also referred to the upcoming auction of the project for the “Daedalus” supercomputer, pointing out that it is a critical infrastructure that will contribute decisively to the development of an ecosystem around Artificial Intelligence, while at the same time helping our country’s effort to become a hub for developments in this field.

On the sidelines of the council’s work, the minister met with the French Minister responsible for Digital Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, as well as with the Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Bretton and the Vice-President of the European Commission for the Promotion of the European Way of Life Margaritis Ropes.