Council of Europe AI treaty reaches two years with 21 signatures and one ratification

The Council of Europe marked two years since its Framework Convention on AI opened for signature. It has 21 signatures, including Canada, Japan, Switzerland, the US and Uruguay, and one Party, the EU, which ratified in May 2026. A conference at ETH Zurich on 7 September discussed implementation and Switzerland's path to ratification.

What it means for business: the treaty is not yet in force; it binds states, not companies directly, but will shape national AI laws where ratified.