On 27 October 2025, the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” hosted the Bulgarian Open Public Event of the Erasmus+ project “Navigating AI Regulations: Practical Guide” (Project No: 2024-2-DE02-KA210-VET-000287096), organized by Budakov Films as part of Activity 3: Hands-On Training and Community Engagement. The event marked an important step in disseminating and validating the project’s results, bringing together 33 participantsfrom academia, the cultural and creative sectors (CCS), and the business and entrepreneurial community.

The main objective of the event was to promote the project’s key intellectual output—the Training Program “Navigating AI Regulations: Practical Guide” – which equips educators, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to apply artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with EU regulations. Participants included university lecturers, researchers, students, product designers, and digital content creators, all eager to explore the practical applications of AI in creative work while maintaining compliance with European standards.

The program featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions. Chief-assistant Professor Yordan Karapenchev, Ph.D., opened the expert sessions with “Building Competence in AI and Digital Skills for the Creative Industry: The AI Act”, providing a clear overview of the upcoming regulatory framework and its relevance to creative professionals. Prof. Dr. Petyo Budakov, representing Budakov Films and XU Exponential University of Applied Sciences, delivered a dynamic session titled “Creative Toolbox: Transforming Complex Ideas into Engaging Content”, which demonstrated practical strategies for leveraging AI in creative production. Mrs. Keti Tserovska, M.A., product designer and educator, presented “Bridging Borders: Success Stories from a Transnational Collaboration”, illustrating how international cooperation within the Navigating AI consortium fosters innovation and inclusiveness across Europe.

A central part of the event was the interactive review of the five modules of the Training Program, during which participants provided targeted feedback:

  • Module 1: Understanding AI Risk Classification in Creative Projects was praised for its clarity and relevance, with suggestions to include more sector-specific examples from design and film.
  • Module 2: Ensuring Compliance with AI Regulations in the Creative Sector was commended for its practical guidance and accessibility, with a recommendation to include a compliance self-assessment checklist.
  • Module 3: Maintaining Transparency in AI-Driven Creative Processes was appreciated for addressing ethical communication and accountability, with calls for best-practice templates.
  • Module 4: Data Governance for AI in the Creative Industry received positive feedback for tackling data protection and intellectual property issues, with participants suggesting more applied case studies.
  • Module 5: Integrating Ethical AI Practices in Creative Entrepreneurship was valued for its focus on responsible innovation and real-world applicability, with attendees proposing the inclusion of scenario-based exercises.

In addition to the in-person discussions, participants provided further feedback through a Google Form, allowing the organizers to collect and analyse detailed responses. These insights have been used to refine the training materials and ensure that the content remains aligned with professional and educational needs.

The event achieved significant impact at both institutional and community levels. Three organizations from the cultural and creative sectors confirmed their commitment to integrating the Navigating AI Training Program into their professional certification and training activities, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and practical implementation of the project’s results. Moreover, students expressed a strong interest in deepening their understanding of AI ethics and EU values, demonstrating the project’s effectiveness in inspiring future professionals.

By bringing together experts, educators, and creatives, the Open Public Event in Sofia successfully fulfilled its goal of sharing the project’s outcomes, fostering community engagement, and promoting ethical, inclusive, and transparent AI practices within Europe’s creative industries. The event also reaffirmed Budakov Films’ dedication to advancing responsible AI innovation and enhancing digital competence in the cultural and creative sectors across Europe.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project No: 2024-2-DE02-KA210-VET-000287096