The Council of Europe and Microsoft have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for cooperation on artificial intelligence and responsible technological development. The agreement focuses on promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law as AI continues to reshape the digital landscape.
The memorandum was signed at the Council of Europe’s headquarters in Strasbourg by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President.
Rather than committing both organisations to specific technology deployments, the agreement establishes a basis for exploring potential joint initiatives. Any activities will remain subject to mutual agreement and the respective mandates of both parties.
Berset said the rapid development of AI is taking place amid growing challenges to international law and established global institutions. He emphasised that cooperation with businesses will be important to ensuring technological progress remains aligned with democratic safeguards and shared rules.
Exploring Responsible AI and Digital Innovation
The agreement identifies several areas where the Council of Europe and Microsoft could collaborate, including knowledge sharing, responsible technology development, and initiatives that support inclusive innovation.
One potential avenue is dialogue through Microsoft’s Open Innovation Centre in Strasbourg. The organisations may also exchange expertise and good practices for developing technology in ways that respect fundamental rights and encourage broader participation.
Linguistic and cultural diversity is another area covered by the memorandum. Potential initiatives could support regional and minority languages, helping preserve linguistic heritage as AI technologies become more widely adopted.
These activities remain prospective rather than confirmed projects, with their implementation dependent on further agreement between the organisations.
Smith said AI presents significant opportunities, but its long-term success will depend on how effectively it serves people. He described the partnership as a way to help ensure technological innovation remains grounded in human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law.
Building on Existing Cooperation
The memorandum also provides an opportunity to develop existing collaboration between the two organisations.
One example is the Register of Damage for Ukraine, a project that documents damage resulting from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab already supports the initiative’s damage assessment activities, providing a foundation for further cooperation.
The agreement also builds on previous work addressing cybercrime. Microsoft has supported the Council of Europe’s Budapest Convention on Cybercrime through initiatives including the Global Project on Cybercrime and the Cybercrime Octopus project.
These programmes help countries implement the convention while promoting safeguards related to data protection and the rule of law.
By building on these existing efforts, the organisations can explore additional ways to apply technology to public-interest challenges while maintaining appropriate legal and ethical protections.
Balancing AI Innovation With Democratic Principles
The agreement reflects a broader challenge facing governments, international institutions, and technology companies: enabling AI development while ensuring that its deployment respects fundamental rights and established legal frameworks.
AI systems are increasingly being introduced across public services, business operations, and other areas of society. Their development raises questions about accountability, inclusion, privacy, and the role of democratic institutions in overseeing technological change.
Through the memorandum, the Council of Europe and Microsoft have established a framework for discussing these issues and identifying opportunities for collaboration. The agreement does not establish a specific deployment schedule or guarantee that every proposed initiative will proceed.
Instead, it creates a foundation for further work on responsible technological development, with an emphasis on human rights, democracy, cultural diversity, and legal safeguards.
As AI adoption expands, cooperation between international organisations and technology companies could help shape approaches that support innovation while preserving the principles needed to maintain public trust.
