Today, the Commission signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on behalf of the EU. The Convention is the first legally binding international agreement on AI and is fully in line with the EU's AI law, the world's first comprehensive AI regulation.
The Convention sets out a common approach to ensure that AI systems are compatible with human rights, democracy and the rule of law, while promoting innovation and trust. It incorporates several key concepts from the EU's AI law, such as the risk-based approach, transparency throughout the value chain of AI systems and AI-generated content, detailed documentation requirements for AI systems that are considered high-risk, and risk management obligations, with the possibility of introducing bans on AI systems that are considered a clear threat to fundamental rights.
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The signing took place at the informal conference of Council of Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius, Lithuania. Negotiating partners included the EU, other Council of Europe member states, the Holy See, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Israel, Australia, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Contributions from 68 international representatives of civil society, academia, industry and other international organizations also ensured a global and comprehensive approach. The Council of Europe agreement signed today is also the result of broader EU efforts in the field of artificial intelligence at international level, including discussions in the G7, OECD, G20 and the United Nations.
The Convention will be implemented in the EU through the AI Act, which sets out harmonized rules for the marketing, deployment and use of AI systems, together with other relevant EU legislation where appropriate.
Once signed, the Commission will prepare a proposal for a Council decision to ratify the Convention. The European Parliament must also give its consent.
