North Macedonia signs Council of Europe AI convention
North Macedonia has signed the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, becoming the 20th signatory to the international agreement.
North Macedonia signed the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law on 8 May 2026 during a visit to Skopje by Alain Berset.
The signature brings the total number of signatories to 20.
The convention is the first legally binding international treaty focused specifically on artificial intelligence. It was developed under the Council of Europe and is intended to ensure that AI systems are developed and used in ways consistent with human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law.
Unlike sector-specific AI regulations, the convention establishes broader governance principles applying to public authorities and, in some cases, private actors involved in AI systems.
The treaty addresses issues including transparency, accountability, oversight, non-discrimination, and safeguards against risks posed by AI technologies. States joining the convention are expected to adopt legal and institutional measures aligning domestic AI governance with these principles.
The agreement has attracted attention beyond Europe because it is open to non-European countries as well. Its development reflects growing international efforts to establish common governance standards for AI systems before national regulatory approaches diverge further.
The convention exists alongside other emerging AI governance initiatives, including the EU AI Act, OECD AI principles, UNESCO recommendations, and ongoing UN discussions on global AI governance frameworks.
