The first plenary meeting of the Steering Committee for New and Emerging Digital Technologies took place on 16-17 April 2026 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, bringing together member States, participants, observer States, civil society organisations holding observer status and invited experts.

Preceded by a thematic conference on new and emerging digital technologies, the meeting marked the official launch of the Committee’s work.

During the meeting, Mario Hernández Ramos was elected Chair of the CDNET and Thomas Schneider Vice-Chair. The Committee also elected its Bureau members and appointed thematic rapporteurs.

Discussions, inter alia, covered the state of play for the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and broader developments in AI governance. The Committee continued its work on the HUDERIA methodology and model, including their practical application and further development.

The meeting laid the foundations for the CDNET’s future work in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the digital environment.