On 29th of September 2023, the European Ministers of Education set new priorities and actions to implement the Reyjkjavik Principles for Democracy at the 26th session of their Standing Conference. They endorsed the 2030 “Learners First” strategy and adopted five resolutions including the mandate for regulating Artificial Intelligence and education (AI&ED).

The AI&ED resolution consists of two major instruments to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in and through education: (1) an international convention as European law and (2) a recommendation on teaching and learning about AI.

The rationale for this mandate is provided in the regulation objectives for AI in education by the Council of Europe that were building the basis for the decision by the Standing Conference of the Ministries of Education from the 46 Member States of Council of Europe.

The first legal instrument should regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence systems in education to promote and to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law as core values of the Council of Europe.

And the second instrument combines both approaches: ethical use of AI in education (AIED) and education about AI (AI literacy) incorporating the impact of AI on human rights, democracy and the rule of law and prioritising the active participation and agency of teachers and learners.

Through this resolution, the AI&ED Expert Group appointed by the Council of Europe can start working on both instruments. As selected AI&ED Expert Group member, I’m very proud and honoured to contribute my expertise for the European future of ethical and trustworthy AI and education.