Greece’s Ministry of Interior and Google signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on 20–24 February 2026 extending their civil servant AI training partnership through 31 December 2026. The original programme (2023–2025) reached 85,772 participants across digital and AI programmes, with 35,839 specifically completing AI-focused training in 2024–2025.
The renewed MoU shifts the programme’s focus from AI awareness to applied AI in administrative workflows — covering evidence-based decision-making, AI-assisted service delivery, and productivity applications. Post-training survey data shows 94.2% of participants planned to apply skills and 85.65% recognised practical AI utility in their work.
A separate MoU with Microsoft was signed in Q1 2026, covering digital competency and AI skills for public administration through the National Centre for Public Administration (NCPPA), with 9,400+ civil servants already certified. The OECD additionally recognised Greece as a global front-runner in educational AI innovation in April 2026.
Who it affects: Civil servants across Greek government ministries and agencies participating in ministry-organised AI training programmes. The dual Google and Microsoft MoUs in 2026 represent a sustained government commitment to civil servant AI capability.
What is notably missing: Training under both MoUs is structured but not legally mandatory — no Greek law specifies that civil servants must achieve a defined AI competency level before using AI systems. Participation depends on ministry coordination rather than individual legal obligation.
Secondary source: https://en.protothema.gr/2026/02/20/new-ministry-of-interior-google-partnership-to-boost-ai-skills-in-the-public-sector/