Global AI Governance Milestone: EU Signs First Binding International AI Treaty

2024-09-13 data

Brussels, Friday, 13 September 2024.
The European Commission signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI, marking the first legally binding international agreement on artificial intelligence. This historic treaty, signed on September 5, 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania, aims to ensure AI systems align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law while fostering innovation.

Key Provisions of the AI Framework Convention

The treaty introduces several critical provisions to regulate AI systems comprehensively. These include a risk-based approach to AI regulation, transparency along the value chain of AI systems, and detailed documentation obligations for high-risk AI systems. The Convention also mandates risk management obligations and allows for the possibility of banning AI systems that pose a clear threat to fundamental rights[1].

Global Participation and Inclusive Development

The Convention’s creation was a collaborative effort involving 46 member states of the Council of Europe, the EU, and 11 non-member states, including the United States, Japan, and Israel[2]. Input from 68 international representatives from civil society, academia, industry, and other international organizations ensured a comprehensive and inclusive approach. The treaty was adopted in May 2024 and opened for signature on September 5, 2024, during the informal conference of Council of Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius, Lithuania[3].

Implementation and Compliance

The European Commission will implement the Convention through the EU AI Act, which provides harmonized rules for the market placement, deployment, and use of AI systems. This Act is the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation and aligns perfectly with the new treaty. The AI Act ensures that AI systems are compatible with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law while enabling innovation and trust[4].

International Impact and Future Directions

The Convention is part of the EU’s broader efforts to influence AI governance at the international level. Discussions are ongoing at forums such as the G7, the OECD, the G20, and the United Nations. The treaty also introduces ‘regulatory sandboxes’ for safe AI experimentation, promoting a balanced approach to innovation and regulation[5]. The next step involves the European Commission preparing a proposal for a Council decision to conclude the Convention, followed by the European Parliament’s consent for implementation[6].

Bronnen

AI digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu www.eeas.europa.eu www.caidp.org Convention www.nextgov.com