HUDERIA Local Academy - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

17-19 November 2026

Council of Europe office in Paris

Artificial Intelligence increasingly shapes how public authorities design policies, manage services and interact with citizens. Local and regional authorities are becoming key actors in the practical deployment of AI systems.

European governance frameworks are evolving rapidly. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence establishes the first international legally binding framework addressing AI use in the public sector. The Framework Convention places emphasis on risk and impact assessments in respect of actual and potential impacts on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and the establishment of prevention and mitigation measures.

Local and regional authorities therefore play a crucial role in translating these frameworks into practice, yet in particular many smaller municipalities currently face capacity gaps in understanding and governing AI technologies.

How can local and regional authorities make sure artificial intelligence serves people, strengthens democracy and earns public trust?

The first HUDERIA Academy for Local Authorities will help answer this question. The Academy will bring together local and regional authorities from 18 Council of Europe member states to explore practical approaches to trustworthy AI governance. Over three days, participants will apply the Council of Europe’s HUDERIA methodology to a model case, working through risk identification and analysis, stakeholder mapping, and the development of mitigation measures. The Academy aims to strengthen authorities’ ability to assess how AI in public services may affect the people they serve, from a human rights, democracy and rule of law perspective.

Organised by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Steering Committee for New and Emerging Digital Technologies, the Academy is part of the “Road to Geneva” programme leading up to the 2027 Geneva AI Summit.

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Why a New Democratic Pact for Europe?

Democratic backsliding, disinformation, impunity, and authoritarianism are undermining democracy in Europe. People are increasingly afraid and frustrated. It comes at a time when democratic security – the resilience of our democratic institutions, freedoms, and values – is our first line of defence against the threats we face. A collective response is needed. There is no quick fix and no single solution. With the New Democratic Pact, the Council of Europe unites with its partners to boost solutions that work and create new responses. To identify them, consultations are needed. The Pact will serve as a collective and inclusive process – not to reinvent democracy, but to reinforce its foundations, amplify its benefits, and innovate its form to make it tangible for everyone, especially younger generations. The directions set during the consultation phase running through 2026 will shape the work that follows.