EU Leaders Debate Strategy on Artificial Intelligence
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is attending two consecutive EU summits in Dublin, where AI regulation is on the agenda for the first time at this level.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis travels to Dublin for two consecutive EU summits. EU leaders are discussing Europe's strategy on artificial intelligence for the first time at this level.
Why it matters
Mitsotakis argues that self-regulation by major technology companies is inadequate and has called for a strong regulatory authority and a binding international framework on AI. The discussion reflects growing pressure on governments to set rules for a fast-moving technology.
The discussions form part of the 9th European Political Community Summit and an informal meeting of 27 EU member state leaders, with the source not detailing any agreed measures or timelines for AI rules.
The players
Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Prime Minister of Greece, who has been an outspoken advocate for stronger governance of artificial intelligence and for protections for minors online.
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, who participates in the competitiveness panel.
Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada, who participates in the competitiveness panel at the European Political Community Summit.
The details
Mitsotakis co-chairs a panel on competitiveness and energy costs alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Friday's informal summit includes Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch, and Mitsotakis is expected to present Greece's initiatives to protect minors online.
Timeline
September: Mitsotakis called for a binding international AI framework at the UN General Assembly.
Last month: Greek Parliament approved a ban on social media access for children under 15.
November 12, 2026: Competitiveness discussion at the 9th European Political Community Summit.
November 13, 2026: Informal European Council meeting on AI strategy.
Beginning of 2027: Greece's social media ban is expected to take effect.
Big Picture
The Dublin discussion extends the binding international AI framework Mitsotakis proposed at the UN General Assembly last September into a regional EU setting. It marks the first time EU leaders have taken up European AI strategy at this level.
Greece's planned ban would prevent children under 15 from accessing social media platforms once it takes effect. EU-level discussion on AI rules could eventually shape the tools and services people use daily.
The takeaway
Europe's leaders are beginning to treat AI governance as a shared regional question rather than a matter for individual companies alone. Readers should watch the November summits for any concrete commitments that follow the discussion.
What happens next
The informal European Council meeting on AI strategy takes place on November 13, 2026, and Greece's under-15 social media ban is expected to take effect at the beginning of 2027.
Further reading
For more background, explore our Artificial Intelligence coverage.
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