Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI published in Official Journal
The Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law has been published the in the EU’s Official Journal, marking a key milestone in global AI regulation. Signed in Vilnius on 5 September 2024, the Convention represents the first international treaty designed to impose legally binding obligations on states regarding the development and use of artificial intelligence systems.
The Convention establishes a broad legal framework to ensure AI systems operate in line with fundamental rights, democratic values, and the rule of law. It applies to AI activities conducted by public authorities and, in many cases, private actors, while allowing states to introduce stronger protections at national level. AI systems are defined as machine-based tools capable of producing outputs such as predictions, recommendations, or decisions that affect physical or digital environments.
States party to the Convention must adopt legislative and administrative measures addressing AI-related risks throughout the system lifecycle. These include risks of discrimination, mass surveillance, censorship, and interference with democratic processes. The Convention requires transparency, accountability, effective oversight, and safeguards for privacy, equality, and non-discrimination. Individuals must have access to remedies, including the right to challenge AI-driven decisions and file complaints with competent authorities.
The Convention also mandates risk and impact assessments, ongoing monitoring of adverse effects, and the option to restrict or prohibit AI uses incompatible with fundamental rights or democratic governance. It promotes international cooperation, public participation, and digital literacy, and establishes a Conference of the Parties to oversee implementation. While national security and defense activities are largely excluded, states remain bound by applicable international law. The Convention will enter into force after ratification by at least five signatories, including three Council of Europe member states, and is open to non-European countries and the European Union.
