Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225): requirements, deadlines and compliance actions
Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225)
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On this page 8 sections
In brief
Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225) is a binding act of the Council of Europe, issued by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. It was adopted on 17 May 2024. Obligations fall on state parties for the public sector; parties choose how to address private-sector AI activities. The first international treaty on AI.
- Jurisdiction
- Council of Europe
- Instrument type
- Act / statute
- Status
- Adopted
- Legal force
- Binding
- Issuing body
- Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
- Adopted
- 17 May 2024
- Published
- 5 September 2024
- Official source
- Framework Convention on AI (CETS No. 225)
- Verification
- Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026
What is Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225)?
The first international treaty on AI. Parties must adopt or maintain measures so that activities within the lifecycle of AI systems are consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law, covering public authorities and actors on their behalf and, by choice of approach, private actors. It sets principles (human dignity and autonomy, transparency and oversight, accountability, equality and non-discrimination, privacy, reliability, safe innovation), requires remedies, procedural safeguards and risk and impact assessment, allows moratoria or bans for incompatible uses, and creates a Conference of the Parties for follow-up. National-security activities and defence are excluded.
Status note: Adopted 17 May 2024 and open for signature since 5 September 2024. Entry into force requires five ratifications including three Council of Europe member states; check the treaty office page for the current status.
Who does it apply to?
Obligations fall on state parties for the public sector; parties choose how to address private-sector AI activities. Activities related to national security and research and development not yet in use are excluded.
States and the EU that ratify; public authorities and private actors through implementing measures.
When do the requirements apply?
2024-05-17: adopted by the Committee of Ministers; 2024-09-05: opened for signature in Vilnius; entry into force after five ratifications (three from member states).
| Date | Milestone | Source reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened for signature Signing conference in Vilnius, Lithuania. |
— | Passed | |
| Date not yet set | Entry into force First day of the month following three months after the fifth ratification, including at least three Council of Europe member states. |
— | Tbd confidence: medium |
Entry into force date not confirmed from the treaty office at the time of checking.
Official sources
-
Framework Convention on AI (CETS No. 225)
Council of Europe · 17 May 2024 · Tier 1 source
Cite this record
AIPolicyTracker (2026). “Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225)” [AIPT-POL-0055, record version 1, verified 26 September 2026 by Bhaskar Bhatt]. https://aipolicytracker.org/id/AIPT-POL-0055 (accessed 27 October 2026). Data licensed CC BY 4.0.
Permanent id AIPT-POL-0055: it never changes or gets reused, and its address keeps working if this page moves.
Cite the official text alongside it: Framework Convention on AI (CETS No. 225), Council of Europe, https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=treaty-detail&treatynum=225.
BibTeX
@misc{aipolicytracker2026_frameworkconventiononaic,
author = {{AIPolicyTracker}},
title = {{Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225)}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://aipolicytracker.org/policies/council-of-europe-framework-convention-on-ai}},
url = {https://aipolicytracker.org/policies/council-of-europe-framework-convention-on-ai},
urldate = {2026-10-27},
note = {Data licensed CC BY 4.0. Accessed 27 October 2026}
}
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Record history
No change to this record's tracked fields has been recorded since 15 October 2026, when field-level history began.
Record version 1: Added in the September 2026 global coverage expansion from the official source listed; reviewer to confirm dates, status and scope against the source text. Every earlier wording is in the GitHub repository.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries have signed?
Signatories include the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, Israel, Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, Switzerland and Ukraine, among others; check the Council of Europe treaty office for the current list and ratifications.
Is Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225) in force?
Not yet. Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225) has been adopted (17 May 2024).
Is Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225) legally binding?
Yes. Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225) is a binding act / statute; the obligations it creates are legal requirements for the actors it covers.
Who does Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225) apply to?
Obligations fall on state parties for the public sector; parties choose how to address private-sector AI activities. Activities related to national security and research and development not yet in use are excluded.
When does Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225) apply?
2024-05-17: adopted by the Committee of Ministers; 2024-09-05: opened for signature in Vilnius; entry into force after five ratifications (three from member states).
Where is the official text of Framework Convention on AI (CETS 225)?
The official text is published by Council of Europe at https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=treaty-detail&treatynum=225 (Framework Convention on AI (CETS No. 225)). This record links to it and is checked against it.
Disclaimer: informational only, not legal advice. Verify every claim against the linked official sources and consult a qualified lawyer before acting.