Glossary · Rule layers and human rights
Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI
Also known as: Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, CETS 225, AI Convention (Council of Europe)
German: Rahmenübereinkommen des Europarats über künstliche Intelligenz
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225) is an international treaty, opened for signature on September 5, 2024, that obliges its parties to ensure that activities across the lifecycle of AI systems are consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
- AI regulation
- EU
- USA
- Canada
In one sentence
CETS 225, the Council of Europe's AI treaty (2024): it binds the states that ratify it, not companies directly. Signatories, ratifications, entry into force.
Example
A state party must ensure, through its own law, that people can seek remedies when an AI system used by a public authority affects their rights; a provider is bound only by that national law.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- A treaty, not a regulation: The convention binds the states (and the EU) that ratify it. It applies to the activities of public authorities and requires parties to address risks from private actors as well, in a way each party chooses; it does not apply directly to companies.
- Signature and ratification (as of October 12, 2026): It was opened for signature in Vilnius on September 5, 2024; the first signatories included the EU, the USA, the United Kingdom, Norway and Israel. Canada signed on February 11, 2025. The EU ratified it on May 15, 2026. The convention enters into force three months after five signatories, including at least three Council of Europe member states, have ratified it; check the treaty office for the current status.
- Not the ECHR, not the EU: The Council of Europe (46 member states, seat in Strasbourg) is separate from the EU. Its human rights treaty is the European Convention on Human Rights; the EU's own catalogue is the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
- Relation to the AI Act: For the EU, the AI Act is the main instrument through which it implements the convention. China is not a signatory.