Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Theoharis took part in the proceedings of the 20th Bled Strategic Forum, held in Bled, Slovenia, on 1 and 2 September 2025.
In a round-table discussion on harnessing Artificial Intelligence for economic prosperity and competitiveness in Europe, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Greece is developing dynamically as a regional Artificial Intelligence hub and highlighted our country’s comparative advantages: strategic location, economic stability and growth, specialised human capital, and a growing research and innovation ecosystem. Mr. Theoharis underlined the fact that Greece is one of 13 EU countries selected by the Commission for the creation of the first AI Factories. As he noted, the Greek factory, Pharos, will operate at the Lavrion Technology Park and will focus on health, language, culture and sustainable development.
In the discussion on the prospects and risks of developing Artificial Intelligence, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need for a regulatory framework and cooperation among the stakeholders involved. As he pointed out, a balanced approach based on strong governance, transparency and accountability allows innovation to progress responsibly without compromising public safety or individual rights. The European Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act) is a critical milestone for the EU, and Greece is committed to its effective and full implementation. In closing, he stressed that our country, with the appropriate policy and technical infrastructure, is transitioning to the digital age while protecting the fundamental rights of democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability.
On the sidelines of the forum, Mr. Theoharis held a series of contacts to strengthen bilateral relations and develop economic and trade synergies between Greece and Slovenia.
The Deputy Minister met with Slovenia’s State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs, Neva Grašič, with whom he confirmed the excellent relations between the two countries and discussed economic developments at European and international level. As regards the potential for broadening bilateral economic cooperation, Mr. Theoharis pointed out that, taking into account the strengths and priorities of both countries, prospects are opening for investment cooperation in a wide range of sectors, such as energy, connectivity, digitalisation and agri-food.
In his meeting with the CEO of SPIRIT Slovenia, Zajec Balažič, the Deputy Minister referred to the highly successful institutional partnership between Enterprise Greece and SPIRIT Slovenia for the promotion of trade and investment. He also discussed the prospects for strengthening cooperation on the green and digital transformation of the two countries, and the potential for using Artificial Intelligence to develop tourism, culture and small and medium-sized enterprises in Greece and Slovenia.
Of particular importance was also his meeting with his counterpart, Poland’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marcin Bosacki. Referring to Ukraine and the current geopolitical and economic realignments, Mr. Theoharis underlined the need for collective, coordinated action to address common challenges. At bilateral level, the Deputy Minister noted that metals and agricultural products offer excellent opportunities for business cooperation, as do defence technologies, renewable energy and water resource management. He also made particular reference to strengthening connectivity through the participation of Greece and Poland in the Three Seas Initiative.
