Official publication has been made today of Council Decision (EU) 2024/2218 of 28 August 2024 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Convention lays down general principles and obligations that the parties should observe to ensure the protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in relation to the activities within AI systems. The Convention will be implemented exclusively through Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (the AI act) and other relevant Union acquis, where applicable. Such other relevant Union acquis includes legal acts which aim to implement fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, such as Union non-discrimination legislation, including Council Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, as well as legislation concerning the protection of personal data, including the GDPR and the DSA. The Conference of the Parties will play a major role in the effective implementation of the Convention, including through making specific recommendations with regard to its interpretation and application. It will also consider possible amendments to the Convention.