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Laws · Council of Europe

Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI

The first binding international treaty on AI. Parties commit to keep AI activities consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including transparency, oversight, accountability and remedies. It is open to non-European countries. It enters into force three months after five ratifications, including three Council of Europe member states.

At a glance

Passed
Jurisdiction
Council of Europe
Type
Treaty
Official title
Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225)

What this means for you

If you build AI

  • The treaty binds states, not companies directly; obligations reach you through each party's national law.
  • Expect ratifying countries to require risk and impact assessment, transparency and oversight across the AI lifecycle.

If you deploy AI

  • Public authorities in ratifying states are covered; private-sector coverage depends on how each party chooses to apply it.
  • Watch for national measures as signatories (including the EU, UK, US, Canada and Japan) move to ratify.

If you use AI

  • Parties commit to give people effective remedies and procedural safeguards when AI systems affect their rights.
  • It also commits parties to protect democratic processes from harm caused by AI.

Key dates

  1. Sep 5, 2024PastOpened for signature in Vilnius; signed by the UK and the EU among othersSource
  2. May 13, 2026PastEU Council Decision concluding the Convention on behalf of the EU published in the Official JournalSource

Status history

  1. Sep 5, 2024PassedOpened for signature in Vilnius. Entry into force needs 5 ratifications incl. 3 CoE member states; not confirmed (see dropped)Source

In the Drops

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