site.btaBulgaria Expects EU to Lead the Way in Promoting Open, Rules-Based Digital Order

Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ivan Vasilev presented Bulgaria's positions during the regular meeting of the EU's Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Council (Telecommunications) on Tuesday in Luxembourg, the Ministry reported. During the meeting, the ministers discussed key issues related to digital transformation, cybersecurity, digital connectivity, and the technological sovereignty of the EU.

Bulgaria supported the Council's adoption of a common approach on the regulation on the establishment of European Business Wallets. 

Regarding the enhanced cooperation between the EU and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the minister said that in the context of geopolitical competition and the growing importance of international digital governance, the EU should continue to strengthen its coordination and consistently defend its common positions within the ITU. "It is important for Bulgaria that the EU continue to be a leading force in promoting an open, secure, and rules-based international digital order," Vasilev said.

He continued that a unified European approach will allow us to defend our interests more effectively and contribute to the stable development of the global digital environment. "It is also important to preserve the ITU's role as a leading international organization in the field of radio spectrum, standardization, and digital development," the Minister added.

On the topic of technological sovereignty for public administrations, Vasilev emphasized the importance of secure and reliable digital infrastructures, the development of European capacity in the fields of cloud services and artificial intelligence, as well as the need for coordinated investment and cooperation among Member States, research organizations, and industry to strengthen the EU's technological resilience. "Our country is actively investing in building capacity for the development and implementation of AI and digital technologies in the public sector, and considering these investments as an essential element of European technological resilience and competitiveness," he said. Among the significant initiatives, Vasilev highlighted the project for a Bulgarian AI factory - BRAIN++. "The Bulgarian government, and specifically the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation, will soon present the open-source SIGMA AI platform - a system for integrated citizen monitoring and AI-based analysis of all public procurement contracts in the country," he added.

The topic of the future of European satellite connectivity was also discussed. Bulgaria's position is that the development of an independent, secure, and highly efficient European satellite infrastructure should be a strategic priority for the EU. "For Bulgaria, outer space is a strategic asset that promotes scientific research and innovation, the development of dual-use technologies, as well as strengthening the EU's competitiveness and satellite connectivity," Vasilev said. He further emphasized that European space programs are a strategic asset that should be effectively developed and built upon to achieve technological leadership and operational capabilities in today's geopolitical environment. "We believe that, given the growing importance of satellite connectivity for the security and resilience of communication networks, the EU must continue its efforts to establish a coordinated and predictable approach to the development of the European satellite ecosystem," he added on the subject. 

The Council also reviewed a progress report on the proposal for the Cybersecurity Act 2 and on the progress of the Digital Networks Act. 

Vasilev also met with Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. The two discussed how Bulgaria can be a more active participant in the digital transformation at EU level.