Safe AI for millions of Ukrainians: Ukraine signs framework convention on artificial intelligence and human rights

Ukraine has joined the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The document outlines principles that the state must follow in shaping legislation and applying AI products in the public sector: respect for human dignity, transparency, non-discrimination, privacy protection, reliability, and safety.

The signing took place in Strasbourg, France, during the EURODIG 2025 Conference, where Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Bornyakov met with Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Convention will enter into force after its ratification by Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada.

“Standards in the field of artificial intelligence are a matter of safety for millions of Ukrainians. Soon, AI will be integrated into Diia and Mriia, so it’s crucial to establish principles for the safe use of this technology in our products now. In developing requirements, we align with global and European standards as Ukraine integrates into the European digital space,” said Oleksandr Bornyakov.

Previously, the Convention was signed by 15 governments, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the EU, Israel, Japan, and other technology-leading nations. The Convention will take effect in Ukraine following its ratification by the Verkhovna Rada.

The Convention’s principles will indirectly apply to businesses: the state will create initiatives for the private sector to help companies incorporate these principles into their product development. For example, the Ministry of Digital Transformation will launch the Council of Europe’s HUDERIA methodology, which will assist in assessing AI products for compliance with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Importantly, the Convention does not apply to the use of AI in defence.

The document was developed over three years by representatives of Council of Europe member states, other participating countries, and business and civil society stakeholders. Ukraine actively contributed to the Convention’s development as a member of the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence.

As a reminder, the Ministry of Digital Transformation published a White Paper on AI Regulation in Ukraine. It outlines how the state is preparing businesses for future AI standards, the benefits of the chosen bottom-up approach for citizens, businesses, and innovation development, and what to expect once a dedicated AI law is implemented.