Council of Europe and Microsoft Sign Landmark Framework Agreement to Safeguard Human Rights and Rule of Law in Artificial Intelligence

The Council of Europe and Microsoft have signed a memorandum of understanding at Strasbourg headquarters to establish a cooperative framework for responsible artificial intelligence development. The agreement aims to advance human rights, democracy, and the rule of law while expanding joint efforts on cybercrime prevention and damage assessment in Ukraine. Leadership from both organizations emphasized that aligning rapid technological innovation with democratic safeguards is vital to ensuring artificial intelligence serves the public good.

RMN News Technology Desk
New Delhi | October 9, 2026

STRASBOURG — The Council of Europe and Microsoft have established a official framework for cooperation designed to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the governance of artificial intelligence and digital technology.

The agreement comes at a critical juncture as rapid advances in artificial intelligence generate substantial economic and societal opportunities while simultaneously introducing new risks to democratic institutions and human rights standards worldwide.

The memorandum of understanding was formally signed at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft.

Leadership Perspectives on AI Governance and International Law

During the signing, Secretary General Berset highlighted the urgency of establishing shared rules for emerging technologies amidst global instability.

“Disregard for international law has caused the rupture in the world order,” Berset stated. “AI is arriving in the middle of that rupture, with force taking the place of shared rules. No technology has ever needed these rules more, since AI moves faster than our democratic safeguards. Working with business must be a priority to address the challenges. With partners like Microsoft, the Council of Europe can make this transformation responsible.”

Brad Smith emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to aligning technological progress with fundamental ethical principles.

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“AI is creating extraordinary opportunities, but its success will ultimately be measured by how well it serves people,” said Smith. “Our partnership with the Council of Europe is putting that principle into practice, helping ensure that innovation remains grounded in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.”

Strategic Cooperation and Inclusive Tech Development

The memorandum establishes a structured channel for the Council of Europe and Microsoft to explore collaborative initiatives within their respective mandates and expertise. Key focus areas defined in the framework include:

• Policy Dialogue: Engaging in ongoing structured dialogue, utilizing facilities such as Microsoft’s Open Innovation Centre in Strasbourg.
• Best Practice Sharing: Exchanging knowledge and operational frameworks regarding responsible, ethical, and inclusive technological innovation.
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Supporting digital initiatives that preserve and promote linguistic diversity, with specific attention to regional and minority languages.

Expanding Joint Initiatives in Cybercrime and Humanitarian Support

The framework expands upon existing technical collaborations between Microsoft and the Council of Europe across critical international projects.

Among these is the Register of Damage for Ukraine, where Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab provides satellite imagery analysis and artificial intelligence capabilities to document and assess war damage.

Additionally, the agreement reinforces ongoing partnership in fighting cybercrime. Microsoft previously provided technical and policy support for the Council of Europe’s landmark Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. This collaboration continues through the Global Project on Cybercrime and the Cybercrime Octopus project, which assist partner nations in implementing treaty obligations while bolstering data protection protocols and rule-of-law safeguards.