European Leaders Discuss "Digital Europe" at Informal Dinner in Sofia

"Digital Europe - Research and Innovation" is the topic of the informal dinner of the European leaders in Sofia on May 16, 2018. It is organized at the invitation of Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and is hosted by Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. Heads of State and Government of the 28 Member States of the European Union will meet at the Sofia Tech Park Park in John Atanassov Hall on the eve of the EU-Western Balkans summit, which will take place on 17 May.

The hall is named after the creator of the first computer, John Atanasov, who is of Bulgarian origin.

The table around which the guests will sit are also in the innovative spirit of Sofia Tech Park. It is made of innovative materials - reboard, based on recycled cardboard. The material has a strong structure, but it is extremely lightweight.

Shortly before they leave, the leaders of the member states will write their messages on the table in front of them - a symbolic sign of the historic meeting in Sofia. The boards will be dismantled, framed and displayed in a special place dedicated to the first Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Digital Europe is one of the four priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Trio, in which our country participates with Estonia and Austria. This is also one of the main themes of the pan-European agenda and the Leaders' Programme.

EU leaders chose to dedicate their debate in Sofia to digitization, which is becoming increasingly important for the daily lives of the 500 million European citizens.

On the one hand, Europe cannot afford to lag behind in comparison with other developed economies, and on the other - innovation and high technology will increasingly determine the quality and standard of living. The development of artificial intelligence in particular generates not only economic progress and hopes (for example, for better health, safer transport, cleaner environment, more sustainable agriculture, etc.), but also ethical issues regarding the preservation of public values.

Privacy is becoming increasingly important, but it is becoming more and more difficult with the rapid development of new forms of communication.

In addition to digitization, the leaders of the 28 member states will also discuss the future of the international agreement with Iran after the US withdrawal. They will also discuss trade relations with the United States. The US postponed its decision to impose restrictions on imports of aluminum and steel from the European Union for June 1, and the leaders of the 28 will discuss whether and what kind of response the European Union can take if the US decision comes into force.