The digital transformation, the dynamics of the new industrial era and the dialogue between civil society and institutions are some of the key topics discussed by members of the Economic and Social Councils of Bulgaria and Spain. The first bilateral meeting of the two national councils took place in the Spanish capital Madrid.
The National Councils exchanged experiences in the development of their acts on the current topics related to digitalization and artificial intelligence and their application in different areas. During the meeting, the role of organised civil society in building effective policies in the dynamically changing economic environment was highlighted. Achieving consensus decisions on issues of importance to society across otherwise diverse interest groups such as employers, trade unions and civil society organisations is one of the important tasks of national economic councils, participants said.
On the Bulgarian side, it was attended by members of ESC from the employers “group – Ivelin Zhelyazkov (AIKB), Monika Panayotova (BCCI), the trade unions” group – Assiya Goneva (KCSS) and civil society organizations – Detelina Smilkova (Bulgarian Association for People Management) and Assoc. Ofelia Kaneva, independent scholar and Chair of the Committee on European Policies and European Process in ESC. The bilateral meeting was attended by the Chairperson of the Council Zornitsa Rusinova and the Secretary General Smilena Kostova, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Spain Mr. Alexey Andreev. The hosts were represented by the President of the Economic and Social Council of Spain Anton Costas, Maria Soledad Serrano, Secretary General of ESC of Spain, Carmen Vidal and Javier Ferrer, Vice Presidents of the Council, administrative leaders and members from employers, trade unions and civil society organizations in Spain.
The Economic and Social Council of Bulgaria presented to its partners its work on acts that address the topics of artificial intelligence and digitalization of the country. The technological transformation and digitalization of the economy and society is part of the strategic priorities of ESC. In a number of its acts, the Council makes recommendations on digital skills, e-government, cybersecurity and the adaptation of the labour market to new conditions. These include analyses and opinions that examine the expected effects of the impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market in Bulgaria with proposals for concrete measures to overcome the problems, the role of artificial intelligence in the management of human capital and working conditions of workers through digital platforms, policies, measures and challenges of digital transformation, and the future of work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
ESC is in the process of development and analysis, which concerns the ethical part of artificial intelligence and the inclusion in the labour market of vulnerable groups in the implementation of new technologies.
“The ISC assesses the impact of AI on employment, economic growth and ethics, advocating for responsible and inclusive digital transformation,” said Assoc. During her presentation.
Although regulation is intended to ensure the ethical use of AI, excessive burdens can divert focus from the real ethical issues and create new forms of social injustice associated with limited opportunities and access to technology. The Council also stressed to its partners the need for an ethical and inclusive introduction of AI, with a concern for both sustainable economic growth and employment.
The Spanish colleagues presented a detailed analysis of the introduction of artificial intelligence in everyday life and in the work of society, touching on the threats and opportunities, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this new era in the socio-economic life of humanity. The members of the Spanish ESC presented the points of view from each of the groups that make up the council – trade unions, employers and civil society organisations.
The discussion established a similar and common position on the issues raised, and it was proposed that the topic of AI be continued at the next edition of the bilateral meeting in Sofia in 2026.
The joint discussion also included an exchange of information and practice at the level of organizational and expert management, with the team of the Secretary General and the Heads of Unit providing the Bulgarian delegation with a detailed briefing on the structure of the Council’s administration, their interrelations, financial and operational functions, as well as the Council’s interaction with citizens and dissemination of information.
