General Assembly of Global CISAC Network Opens in Sofia

Veneta Litkova

Bulgaria is hosting the International Confederation of Authors' and Artists' Organizations (CISAC) General Assembly, organized by the Bulgarian organization of authors and music publishers for copyright management MusicAutor in Sofia. ABBA co-founder and CISAC President Bjorn Ulvaeus addressing participants of CISAC GA 2025, Sofia, May 28, 2025 (Photo: Hristo Kasabov/BTA)

Sofia,

28.05.2025 14:37

(BTA)

For the first time, Bulgaria is hosting the International Confederation of Authors' and Artists' Organizations (CISAC) General Assembly, organized by the Bulgarian organization of authors and music publishers for copyright management MusicAutor in Sofia on Wednesday.

ABBA co-founder and CISAC President Bjorn Ulvaeus stated that Bulgaria has tremendous creative talent and the potential to develop a thriving creative sector.

“For our community, the main issue is artificial intelligence (AI). Its use is expanding rapidly, and investments in this sector are growing. Governments need to take action,” said Ulvaeus. He added that Europe adopted an AI Act in 2023, which includes a focus on transparency, a principle that must not be diluted. “We must urge all policymakers to uphold three core principles: transparency, licensing, and remuneration.”

He emphasized the need for clear contractual principles to guide future negotiations with governments and AI operators.

Departing Chairman of the CISAC Board of Directors, Marcelo Castelo Branco, delivered a farewell address summarizing his six-year leadership during a time of global upheaval, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized communities and called for continued global solidarity in the face of a changing technological world.

Director General of CISAC Gadi Oron said that Bulgaria is a hub for many forms of art - theatre, music like the Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices ensemble, working with global artists, cinema, etc.

The event’s program includes a presentation of CISAC’s global AI policy, including its advocacy priorities: transparency obligations for AI operators, a requirement for authorization from rights holders, and fair remuneration for creators. There will be a panel on AI-related regulations and litigation with confirmed participants from GEMA, ADAGP, APRA AMCOS, PRS for Music, and the RIAA. The agenda also includes a segment on the registration of AI-assisted works and combating fraud, featuring participants from BUMA, KOMCA, and SACM.

/MY/