Romania’s Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu told a recent informal conference of justice ministers from the Council of Europe member and observer states in Vilnius, Lithuania, that the rules for the use of artificial intelligence should be clearly defined by the world community.

According to a press statement released by the Romanian Justice Ministry on Thursday, Gorghiu on Wednesday and Thursday attended the informal conference called „Towards Accountability for International Crimes Committed in Ukraine.”

The conference began with the European Commission signing the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.

„The convention establishes common general principles and rules for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Human health and the environment are taken into account, as well as socio-economic aspects such as employment and labour. The convention aims to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law and to promote reliable artificial intelligence systems,” according to the Justice Ministry.

„It is a necessary step in a world dominated by propaganda and hybrid attacks. The rules for the use of artificial intelligence should be clearly defined by the world community. It is the only way to make sure that technology is used responsibly. Not to do harm. Not to undermine human rights,” Gorghiu is quoted as saying in the statement.

The Romanian official also addressed a second session of the event on a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the role of the Council of Europe.

Gorghiu said that the tribunal has to pierce the personal immunities of the head of the Russian state, the head of the Russian government and the foreign minister.

„Romania hosted the tenth meeting of the core group. I am glad that progress has been made with the technical details for the establishment of the tribunal. It is the only way to restore logic in Europe. Fast action sends the most powerful message. A multilateral agreement among all states can take years. But a bilateral agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine is faster. Moreover, the Council of Europe gives more legitimacy to our approach. The initiative must not remain a regional approach. Countries outside Europe have to get involved. This tribunal must pierce the personal immunities of the Russian head of state, the head of the government and the minister of foreign affairs. Prosecutors must be independent. And nations must be cautious with the idea of introducing trials in absentia. The risk of procedural errors is high in the case of specialised and temporary courts.”

She added that, at the moment, the preservation of evidence is a top priority, and this summer 14 countries presented evidence for the crime of aggression in over 2,000 cases, with Romania being one of the largest contributors.

„What the Russian Federation has done is, after all, a crime against peace. And it is continuing to threaten peace in many other countries through hybrid attacks. The establishment of this tribunal as soon as possible is a test for the entire world community,” the Romanian justice minister also said.

AGERPRES