Council of Europe

The Council of Europe's Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence is the first legally binding international treaty on AI. It commits signatories to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across the AI lifecycle. It sets principles rather than detailed rules, leaving implementation to each party. The EU, the US, the UK, and others signed it in 2024, and it enters into force on the first day of the month following three months after five signatories, at least three of them Council of Europe member states, have consented to be bound. The European Union ratified first, on May 15, 2026, and the threshold has not been met.

Key points

• It is the first binding international treaty on AI, opened for signature in September 2024.
• It focuses on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law rather than technical rules.
• It has 21 signatories, including the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland.
• It enters into force on the first day of the month following three months after five signatories, at least three of them member states, have consented to be bound, and it is implemented through national law. The European Union became the first party on May 15, 2026.

Laws and instruments

Timeline

• September 5, 2024
  Convention opened for signature.
• May 15, 2026
  The European Union deposits the first ratification; entry into force needs five signatories, including three member states, to consent to be bound.

Who it applies to

Binds ratifying states, which implement its principles through domestic law. Reaches public-sector AI and, to a degree parties choose, private-sector activity.

Penalties

No direct penalties; obligations are implemented and enforced through each party's national legal system.

Common questions