European Parliament backs first binding global treaty on artificial intelligence

09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

European Parliament backs first binding global treaty on artificial intelligence

The European Parliament voted to approve the European Union’s formal conclusion of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, clearing the way for the EU to ratify the first legally binding international treaty focused on AI governance.

The approval vote took place during a plenary session in Strasbourg following a recommendation from co rapporteurs José Cepeda and Paulo Cunha of the committees on the internal market and civil liberties. Lawmakers had debated the convention earlier in the week before holding the final vote on Wednesday.

The treaty, adopted by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in May 2024 and opened for signature in Vilnius on September 5, 2024, establishes a legal framework requiring that AI systems respect human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law throughout their lifecycle.

The rules apply directly to public authorities and to private entities acting on their behalf. Signatory states must also address risks linked to private sector AI activities in ways that align with the treaty’s objectives.

The agreement was developed with contributions from 46 member states of the Council of Europe and 11 non member countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, and Japan. Civil society organizations, academic experts, and industry representatives also participated in the drafting process.

The European Union signed the convention in August 2024 shortly after its own Artificial Intelligence Act entered into force.

According to the parliamentary recommendation, the treaty’s principles will be implemented in the EU through existing legislation. This includes the AI Act, the General Data Protection Regulation, and sector specific rules covering product safety and liability.

The co rapporteurs described the convention as an important step in the EU’s effort to promote AI adoption that respects fundamental rights, linking the EU’s regulatory framework with a broader international standard.

The vote followed another decision by European lawmakers on Tuesday, when Parliament adopted a non binding resolution on copyright and generative AI by 460 votes to 71. The resolution called for transparency regarding copyrighted works used to train AI models and urged that rights holders be able to exclude their material from training datasets.

Lawmakers also asked the European Commission to propose new licensing rules for generative AI systems without delay.

The convention will enter into force once five parties ratify it, including at least three Council of Europe member states. The European Commission will represent the EU in the treaty’s Conference of the Parties, which will monitor its implementation.

Parliament’s co rapporteurs said the EU’s ratification demonstrates that technological progress can be guided by democratic values and legal safeguards.