Today marks the first anniversary of the opening for signature of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law ─ the first international, legally binding treaty aimed at ensuring activities within the lifecycle of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Opened for signature on 5 September 2024 during the Conference of Council of Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius, the Framework Convention has played a pivotal role in setting standards and addressing legal gaps arising from technological advancement, while enhancing progress and promoting innovation.
Marking the first anniversary, the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) and the Complutense University of Madrid hosted a conference dedicated to academic and critical reflections on the Framework Convention. The event brought together academic experts and members of the CAI Bureau, who shared theoretical and methodological insights on key themes of the Framework Convention, including its regulatory architecture, the negotiation process and implementation prospects.
The panel programme addressed three thematic topics at the intersection of the rule of law, democracy and artificial intelligence, as well as methodological approaches to risk and impact assessment of such systems.
The anniversary commemoration underscored the enduring role of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law in managing AI-related risks to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, while encouraging progress and innovation.
Over the past year, the Framework Conventions has been signed by 17 Council of Europe member and observer states (Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Japan, United States of America), as well as the European Union and Uruguay.
