Armenia signs CoE Framework Convention on AI

ArmInfo. During his visit to Strasbourg, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan officially signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.

According to the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the Convention is the first international legal instrument aimed at ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights in the field of artificial intelligence. The signing of the Convention will provide an opportunity to develop the legal framework in the field of artificial intelligence through close cooperation with international partners.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset thanked Armenia for signing the Convention and its participation in efforts to develop international cooperation in this area. To date, the Framework Convention has been signed by 17 countries, including Council of Europe member and observer states, as well as the EU. Specifically, the Convention has been signed by Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom; Council of Europe observer states: the United States, Canada, and Japan; and non-Council of Europe member states: Israel and Uruguay.

The signing of the Convention was preceded by a meeting between Mirzoyan and Berset, where they discussed cooperation within the Council of Europe.

The parties mutually emphasized that Armenia's active participation in the work of the Council of Europe, consistent adherence to, and implementation of Council of Europe conventions, demonstrate Armenia's commitment to democratic values ​​and reforms.

Mirzoyan and Berset emphasized the need for modern tools to combat hybrid threats, specifically focusing on the rise of disinformation. The Minister highlighted that Armenia highly values its partnership with the CoE and the EU as it builds a resilient, democratic state.

The parties also exchanged views on developments in the South Caucasus.  Mirzoyan outlined Armenia's strategic approaches to institutionalizing lasting peace. Reference was made to upcoming events, including the Council of Europe's participation in the 8th European Political Community Summits,  to be held in Yerevan in May, 2026.