As advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping everyday life through cost-effective and efficient solutions for business operations and public service delivery, it is essential to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in the digital environment. The EU AI Act lays down rules and requirements that aim to maximise the uptake of trustworthy AI that is consistent with existing fundamental rights guarantees. On 26 June 2025 the Center for the Study of Democracy held a roundtable Fundamental Rights, Artificial Intelligence and EU Law: Safeguards and Challenges which brought together experts representing national fundamental rights watchdogs, public administration, and civil society organisations to examine how digital rights are protected in Bulgaria.
Katja Kolman of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) delivered a key-note focused on the outcomes of high-level studies that were pivotal in informing the development of the EU AI Act. Dr. Tatyana Novossiolova noted that the low level of awareness of fundamental rights safeguards in Bulgaria remains a challenge to the effective governance of AI technologies. Dr. Kalina Georgieva discussed the progress made in the implementation of the EU Act in Bulgaria. Trayan Kosev reviewed the types of legal mechanisms available to Bulgarian citizens in case of a violation as a result of AI use.
Participants agreed on the importance of enhancing digital literacy and awareness of fundamental rights safeguards, as well as the need for ensuring effective coordination among the competent authorities that are expected to be involved in the implementation of the EU AI Act provisions at the national level.