site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Backs Copyright Reform at Sofia CISAC Assembly

A delegation from the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) was received by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov on Monday. 

The meeting brought together CISAC Director General Gadi Oron, CISAC Regional Director for Europe Mitko Chatelbashev and Musicautor Executive Director Ivan Dimitrov, the organisers said.

The visit was part of the CISAC General Assembly, hosted by Sofia for the first time. Filmautor Managing Director Maria Palaurova and Filmautor Managing Board Chair Stanislav Todorov-Rogi also took part.

Organizers outlined four main challenges facing the local creative sector: the absence of an effective compensation scheme for private copying, approval barriers for tariff-setting, limited licensed music use in commercial and tourism venues and weak institutional oversight.

Participants also reviewed forthcoming European-level legal changes prompted by the growing use of creative works in generative artificial-intelligence training.

Zhelyazkov voiced support for the creative organisations and highlighted his cabinet’s commitment to culture. He added that the international backing enjoyed by Musicautor was important and urged Bulgaria to position itself among the European countries that uphold copyright.

“Musicautor may be a small group, but it is thriving in a difficult market. Authors’ conditions in Bulgaria must improve, and targeted legislative amendments could transform the cultural ecosystem and secure fairer remuneration,” Oron said.

Earlier in the day, the broader CISAC delegation, including three of the confederation’s four vice-presidents, met with Committee on Culture and Media Chair Toshko Yordanov and member Lyuben Dilov at the National Assembly.

“Investment in culture means investment in talent. Hosting the assembly in Sofia is welcome, and the international network’s experience will bolster Bulgarian creators and institutions,” Dimitrov said.

Organizers noted that the parliamentary talks confirmed the need for new legislation on public performance, private copying and retransmission, as well as a more active State stance on emerging technologies and copyright. Committee representatives undertook to tackle the licensing issues affecting commercial and tourism venues.

They added that hosting the CISAC General Assembly in Sofia brings new international support for building a fair and effective system to help Bulgarian creators.

Sofia is hosting the assembly for the first time, welcoming representatives from over 220 collective management organizations from around the world.