Direct source

CoE Framework Convention sets a five-party entry-into-force rule

Article 30(3) requires five consenting parties, including at least three Council of Europe member States.

Evidence explainer

What this establishes

The clause defines when the treaty becomes binding among Parties. It does not by itself prove the threshold has been met.

Why it matters: It separates signature theatre from legal entry into force.

Limits and context: As of the Treaty Office chart dated 20 July 2026, one ratification (European Union) is below Article 30(3)’s five-party threshold including at least three Council of Europe member States, so the Convention is not in force.

Exact passage

CETS No. 225 · Article 30(3)

This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which five signatories, including at least three member States of the Council of Europe, have expressed their consent to be bound by this Convention…

Council of Europe Original source

Policy questions

Multilateral standards

Should states join binding AI human-rights treaties?

The Council of Europe Framework Convention is open for signature. The live dispute is ratification and domestic effect, not whether a treaty text exists.

Policy asks

proposed

Sign and ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence

Express consent to be bound by CETS No. 225 so the Convention’s human-rights, democracy and rule-of-law duties apply to the Party.

Policy vehicles

regulation · Opened for signature

Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence (CETS No. 225)

First binding multilateral AI treaty focused on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Policy events

2024-09-05 · publication

CoE Framework Convention on AI opened for signature

CETS No. 225 was opened for signature in Vilnius.