The European Commission signs historic Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights

The European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, represented the EU at the signing ceremony alongside other key officials from the Council of Europe and international partners. The Convention is fully in line with the EU's pioneering AI Act, the world's first comprehensive regulation on AI. In her remarks, Jourová highlighted the significance of this agreement, emphasising that it sets the global standard for AI governance while safeguarding fundamental rights.

Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, the United Kingdom as well as Israel and the United States of America also signed the Framework Convention.

Ministers of Justice from Council of Europe Member States attended the ceremony, along with representatives from the Holy See, the USA, Canada, Japan, and other non-European nations such as Mexico and Uruguay. The presence of these diverse stakeholders underscores the international commitment to shaping AI's role in society in a way that respects democratic values.

Highlighting the Milestone in AI Governance

The Council of Europe's Framework Convention on AI is the result of nearly two years of intensive negotiations led by the Committee on AI (CAI), in which the EU actively participated and which brought together experts from civil society, academia, industry, and governments. This agreement stands as a crucial framework that aligns with the principles of the EU AI Act, reinforcing a human-centric approach to AI development. The Convention will be implemented in the EU through the AI Act, which lays down harmonised rules for the placing on the market, deployment, and use of AI systems, as well as other relevant EU legislations where needed.

The Council of Europe's Framework Convention on AI addresses key areas, including transparency in AI-generated content, rigorous risk management, documentation obligations for high-risk AI systems, and the protection of human rights. It introduces innovative regulatory mechanisms, such as the concept of "regulatory sandboxes" to promote safe AI experimentation, while setting global standards for accountability, safety, and fairness in AI.

Crucially, the Convention also recognises the need for a risk-based approach, ensuring that AI systems considered harmful to fundamental rights are subject to strict oversight. This creates a balanced approach that encourages innovation but places safeguards to prevent misuse and harmful consequences of AI technologies.

Setting the Stage for Global AI Governance

The Convention is a significant step forward in the international AI landscape, offering a common and global approach to govern AI systems and mitigate the risks they pose to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. By focusing on principles of transparency, accountability, and innovation, it ensures AI systems are designed to support ethical governance while fostering public trust.

Additionally, the Convention provides room for flexibility. While public authorities are required to comply fully, private actors can adopt alternative measures to meet the same objectives, allowing for responsible innovation. Certain exemptions apply, notably for research, development, and national security purposes, ensuring that AI advances continue without compromising core democratic values.

Next Steps

With the Convention now signed, the European Commission will submit a proposal for a Council decision to formalise the EU's participation in the Convention. The European Parliament will also be called upon to provide its consent, marking the next crucial phase in implementing this ground-breaking agreement.

As the world looks to the future of AI, the Council of Europe's Framework Convention stands as a testament to the commitment of international actors to secure a fair and ethical AI landscape for all.

Read the Council of Europe's Convention on Artificial Intelligence

Read the EU's AI Act

Learn more about the process toward the signature by reading our previous articles: