site.btaPM Zhelyazkov: With INSAIT, Bulgaria Poised to Tap Europe’s EUR 200 Bln. AI Funding

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that Bulgaria should fully capitalize on the EUR 200 billion allocated for the development of artificial intelligence in Europe, the government press service said on Tuesday.

Zhelyazkov spoke at the AI Action Summit in Paris, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that this funding will be generated through public-private partnerships and will be accessible on a project-by-project basis.

Zhelyazkov showcased Bulgaria's accomplishments through the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology (INSAIT), the first of its kind in Eastern Europe. In Paris, he was joined by INSAIT's scientific director, Martin Vechev, to present the institute's considerable potential to a variety of prospective partners. 

"It was crucial to support the advancement of artificial intelligence with the projects we initiate in our bilateral meetings," Zhelyazkov said.

"Bulgaria has the potential to become a leader in Europe in artificial intelligence," Vechev stated. He mentioned that INSAIT and other Bulgarian organizations have submitted a project for the European Commission's AI Factories initiative. These AI factories will significantly increase the computing power available for AI development in Europe. They will be interconnected and accessible to European startups, industry, and researchers.

Vechev said that INSAIT grants Bulgaria a notable advantage over many other countries by virtue of its research and the institute itself being of truly world-class calibre.

Zhelyazkov firmly stated that in the context of AI development, the broader debate is no longer about fearing or embracing the topic. “It is now about boosting competitiveness,” he stressed. He also said that it is no coincidence the forum in Paris features not only EU leaders but also high-level representatives from the United States, China, and India—co-chair of the event. All countries where AI development is increasingly essential are in attendance.

Zhelyazkov stressed the need for regulations that ensure AI is developed safely and responsibly. He pointed out that energy concerns are closely linked to AI development, as increasing computing power requires more energy, which in turn leads to greater energy connectivity.

“These issues also involve targeted investments,” he noted, “since the emerging competition among the EU, the US, and China translates into greater AI investment. We believe we have our place in this, and INSAIT’s projects stand as proof.”

Earlier in the day, Zhelyazkov met U.S. Vice President James David Vance. During the brief meeting, the two discussed deepening the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Bulgaria among the top priorities for the new governments of both countries.