27/11/2025 - The first international framework for independent series co-productions aims to simplify cross-border collaboration, clarify rights, and promote cultural diversity in European serial storytelling

The Council of Europe has officially adopted the final text of the Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series, establishing the first international legal framework specifically tailored to the independent co-production of serial content for television and streaming platforms. The decision marks a significant step for the European audiovisual industries, where series have become a dominant format in both audience demand and market investment.

The convention addresses a long-recognised gap: while feature films have benefitted for decades from dedicated co-production rules, no equivalent instrument existed for series. By establishing clear parameters for collaboration, the agreement facilitates co-productions between independent producers from different countries, offering a transparent structure for rights allocation, financial participation, and administrative requirements.

One of the core objectives of the convention is to reinforce the position of independent producers operating within an increasingly competitive and platform-driven environment. The text aims to ensure equitable participation in ownership and revenue streams — elements that are crucial for maintaining both economic sustainability and creative autonomy across multiple seasons and long-term exploitation windows.

The convention also reflects the Council of Europe’s cultural and democratic mission. By encouraging cross-border collaboration, it promotes a broader exchange of languages, perspectives, and storytelling traditions, increasing the visibility and circulation of European series while supporting linguistic vitality, cultural pluralism, and democratic engagement. The text also recognises the important role of public and private media service providers, providing guidance for fair and balanced collaboration where projects originate with independent producers.

The adoption of the convention follows the momentum created by the Council of Europe’s Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions — an initiative hosted by Eurimages that has supported high-quality international co-productions. With 22 donor institutions from 21 member states participating, the programme has underscored the need for a long-term framework adapted to serialised works.

The new convention will open for signature by the Council of Europe’s member states in early 2026. It will enter into force once three countries have ratified it, laying the groundwork for a more coherent and cooperative European environment for the creation of series.

The Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series can be read here, alongside an Explanatory report found here.