A specialised expert workshop in Trebinje on 28-29 August brought together judges, legal professionals, and case-law departments from across Bosnia and Herzegovina to explore the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judiciary. The training, designed to strengthen institutional readiness and judicial capacity, addressed both the opportunities and challenges of AI in the context of legal practice and European human rights standards.

Participants were introduced to the foundations of artificial intelligence, including basic concepts, machine learning, and types of AI systems relevant to legal work. The sessions provided a grounding in the practical applications of these technologies while underscoring the importance of responsible and ethical use.

The workshop featured an in-depth analysis of comparative practices, with a particular focus on the Court de Cassation in Paris. A data science expert presented lessons from pilot initiatives in France and other European jurisdictions, highlighting both successes and challenges in the integration of AI into judicial systems. Discussions examined the use of AI tools for case law analysis and their potential to promote consistency, transparency, and open justice.

This exercise will help establish a roadmap for the responsible use of AI in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judiciary, including steps for building institutional readiness, training, pilot testing, and setting standards for continuous oversight.

By enhancing the understanding of AI’s potential and its limitations, the training supports ongoing efforts to ensure that the judiciary in Bosnia and Herzegovina applies European human rights standards consistently and effectively. As digital and operational challenges continue to emerge, such initiatives are vital to strengthening justice, transparency, and the rule of law.

The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence is the first-ever international legally binding treaty in this field. Opened for signature on 5 September 2024, it sets common standards to ensure that AI upholds human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The training programme is part of the Council of Europe project “Support to a coherent national implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights and facilitating the execution of judgements of the European Court of Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” funded through the Action plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2022-2025.