Moldova today signed in Vilnius the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Convention is the first international treaty that provides a global legal framework for the management of artificial intelligence (AI) systems throughout their entire lifecycle, guaranteeing respect for human rights, democracy and the principles of the rule of law.

The signature on behalf of Moldova was affixed by Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, currently on a working visit to Lithuania. “This convention is not just a legal instrument, but a promise to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used in a way that serves the public good and enhances the well-being of our citizens. The Republic of Moldova supports the need to strike a balance between promoting innovation and protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law”, said Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

“It is essential to maintain a human-centric approach, where human oversight and responsibility remain at the heart of AI systems”, added the Moldovan minister.

Adopted in May 2024, the Framework Convention was drafted by the 46 CoE member states, with the participation of international representatives from civil society, academia and industry, as well as several other international organizations. The document is complementary to the European Union Act on artificial intelligence, which will be transposed into national legislation once Moldova joins the EU.