Council of Europe Marks Second Anniversary of Landmark AI Framework Convention

The Council of Europe is marking the second anniversary of its Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, the first international legally binding treaty of its kind. Since its opening for signature in Vilnius on September 5, 2024, the convention has secured 21 signatures from nations across Europe and beyond, including the United States, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and Uruguay. The European Union achieved a significant milestone in May 2026 by becoming the first party to formally ratify the treaty.

To commemorate the anniversary, the Council of Europe is partnering with the Albert Einstein School of Public Policy to host a high-level conference titled “Trustworthy AI for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law.” The event, scheduled for September 7, 2026, at ETH Zurich, will serve as the flagship session of the inaugural AI Governance Forum. The conference aims to bridge the gap between the treaty’s high-level principles and practical implementation, addressing governance challenges posed by emerging technologies and discussing Switzerland’s specific path toward ratification.

The Framework Convention represents a concerted international effort to ensure that the rapid development of artificial intelligence remains anchored in fundamental human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law. By attracting signatures from diverse global powers, the treaty demonstrates a growing consensus on the necessity of a standardized legal approach to AI governance. The participation of non-European nations like Japan and the United States highlights the treaty's ambition to function as a global benchmark rather than a purely regional instrument.

The ratification by the European Union in May 2026 serves as a critical validation of the treaty’s framework. As the first party to ratify, the EU has set a precedent for its member states and other signatories to follow. This milestone is expected to accelerate the domestic legislative processes required for other nations to transition from signatories to full parties, thereby strengthening the treaty’s enforcement mechanisms and international legitimacy.

A central challenge facing the Council of Europe is the translation of the convention’s broad principles into actionable policy for public authorities, industry, and civil society. The upcoming conference at ETH Zurich is designed to address this implementation gap directly. By bringing together a multi-stakeholder group, the event will explore how the treaty’s requirements can be integrated into existing regulatory environments without stifling innovation.

Discussions at the AI Governance Forum will focus on the practical governance challenges arising from generative AI and other emerging technologies. Participants are expected to examine how the convention’s standards can be applied to risk assessment, transparency, and accountability in AI systems. The forum will also serve as a platform for Switzerland to share its progress and challenges in aligning its national policies with the treaty’s requirements, providing a case study for other nations currently navigating the ratification process.

The Council of Europe’s focus on AI governance is part of a broader, long-standing commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The organization’s work in this field is deeply informed by its history of addressing systemic threats to equality, including its ongoing efforts to combat racial discrimination. The principles of dignity and non-discrimination, which underpin the European Convention on Human Rights, are now being extended to the digital domain to ensure that AI does not perpetuate historical inequalities or create new forms of exclusion.

This alignment with broader human rights initiatives is essential for the treaty’s credibility. By framing AI governance within the context of established international human rights law, the Council of Europe seeks to ensure that technological progress does not come at the expense of individual freedoms. The anniversary serves as a reminder that the fight against discrimination—whether in the physical world or the digital environment—requires sustained international cooperation and a commitment to building societies founded on justice and equality.

As the convention enters its third year, the focus will shift from securing signatures to ensuring widespread ratification and effective implementation. The Council of Europe faces the ongoing task of monitoring compliance and providing technical cooperation to member states. The success of the treaty will ultimately be measured by its ability to influence national legislation and corporate behavior globally.

Unresolved questions remain regarding how the treaty will interact with the rapidly evolving technological landscape and the varying regulatory approaches of non-signatory nations. The upcoming AI Governance Forum will likely highlight the need for continued dialogue and the potential for future protocols to address specific technological developments. The Council of Europe’s ability to maintain momentum and foster consensus among its diverse signatories will be the primary determinant of the convention’s long-term impact on global AI standards.