Reliable artificial intelligence and child protection online in the focus of EU ministers in Nicosia

In Nicosia, Cyprus, an informal meeting of the Council of the European Union on Transport, Telecommunications and Energy was held on April 30. During the meeting, the caretaker Minister of e-Government, Assoc. Prof. Georgi Sharkov, took part in the key debates and presented the Bulgarian position, approved by the Council of Ministers. The focus was on the widespread introduction of reliable artificial intelligence in the EU, the protection of children in the digital environment and the concept of digital adulthood, as well as on the protection of critical infrastructure and the strengthening of Europe's collective resilience.

Bulgaria for reliable AI and European coordination

In the first part of the meeting, the ministers discussed the opportunities and challenges for the implementation of artificial intelligence within the European Union. The Bulgarian side emphasized that our country will build upon the efforts already made in developing a strategic and legal framework for stimulating and introducing AI.

"Bulgaria will continue its work so far on the strategic and legal framework for the stimulation and implementation of artificial intelligence. Bulgaria's approach to the development of AI is also complemented by strategic partnerships between academia, research institutions and industry, with the AI Factory in Bulgaria, BRAIN++, representing a key element of Bulgaria's contribution to the European ecosystem," states the Bulgarian position presented by Minister Sharkov.

During the discussion, Bulgaria supported the idea of increased coordination between member states, so that AI-based solutions can be sustainably deployed beyond national borders. According to the Bulgarian side, it is precisely a common European approach and shared standards that will allow innovation in the field of AI to be both competitive and safe.

Child protection online and digital adulthood

The second major debate was dedicated to the protection of children in the digital environment and the topic of digital adulthood. Minister Georgi Sharkov emphasized that a carefully balanced, clearly limited in scope and harmonized approach at the EU level can realistically improve protection and legal certainty without undermining national legal regimes.

He noted that it is important to take into account the national choice for the age of digital consent within the 13–16 year range specified in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Regarding the Presidency's questions related to age verification tools at the EU level, Bulgaria stated that a harmonized mechanism at the Union level would ensure more consistent and effective protection of minors online.

In this context, our country welcomes the European Commission's "Age Verification Blueprint" as a valuable practical basis. Bulgaria is also considering the possibility of age verification mechanisms being integrated into the national digital wallet, which would facilitate secure access to internet services for children and young people.

Resilience of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity

During the lunch discussion, the ministers focused on the protection of critical infrastructure in Europe and the strengthening of collective resilience. Minister Georgi Sharkov, who is also a cybersecurity specialist, emphasized that in conditions of increasing interconnectedness and an increasingly complex security environment, the resilience of critical infrastructure must be considered a strategic issue for the entire Union.

"A coordinated and cross-sectoral approach is needed, based on an in-depth analysis of interdependencies and cascading risks at the European level," said Minister Sharkov. He highlighted the importance of information sharing, joint training and common standards for the protection of important facilities, so that potential threats – including cyberattacks and hybrid risks – can be met with common and timely measures.

The discussions in Nicosia showed that the topics of artificial intelligence, child protection online and critical infrastructure are permanently at the center of the European agenda. Bulgaria declared its readiness to be an active participant in these processes – both through national initiatives and through deeper involvement in common European solutions.