North Macedonia to Sign Landmark Council of Europe AI Convention During Secretary General’s Official Visit

A primary objective of the visit is to reaffirm the Council of Europe’s support for North Macedonia’s ongoing domestic reforms.

RMN News Political Desk
New Delhi | May 7, 2026

SKOPJE – In a significant move to align technological progress with fundamental rights, North Macedonia is set to sign the Council of Europe’s landmark Framework Convention on artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The signing will take place during an official visit by the Secretary General of the 46-member Council of Europe, Alain Berset, scheduled for May 7–8, 2026.

The signature ceremony, held on Friday, May 8, serves as a formal commitment by North Macedonia to ensure that technological innovation remains firmly anchored in fundamental rights. Ahead of his arrival, Secretary General Berset emphasized that “democracy must deliver for people in their everyday lives,” noting that this requires stronger institutions and inclusive societies where all communities are heard.

During his two-day stay, Berset is scheduled to meet with the nation’s top leadership, including President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the country’s first woman head of state and a former Venice Commission member. His itinerary also includes high-level talks with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, as well as the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and European Affairs. Beyond government officials, the Secretary General will engage with members of parliament and civil society representatives.

The visit also features a focus on broader social and regional challenges. On Thursday, May 7, Berset will co-open the international conference “Leading change: people-centred paths to demographic resilience” alongside senior United Nations representatives. This forum aims to address demographic challenges through inclusive, forward-looking policies to bolster democratic resilience.

Discussions are also expected to cover key regional issues, with Berset likely to encourage continued efforts to strengthen good neighborly relations, specifically with Bulgaria. Furthermore, the Secretary General will address the ongoing development of an Action Plan to advance the rights of persons belonging to various communities, a project assisted by the Council of Europe.

A primary objective of the visit is to reaffirm the Council of Europe’s support for North Macedonia’s ongoing domestic reforms. Berset is expected to underline the importance of continued progress in the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the effective implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments. The Secretary General will also recognize the country’s active engagement with international legal instruments, citing its signature of the Valletta Protocol and the Convention for the protection of the profession of lawyer as evidence of its commitment to the rule of law and international cooperation.