CEE Animation Forum has become the first animation-focused event selected to present the Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award, joining a network of European series markets under the programme. The award of €50,000 for one European animated series project in development with strong international co-production potential will be presented at the CEE Animation Forum's 14th edition (10–12 November 2026, Pilsen, Czech Republic). 

The Award is presented as part of a new partnership between CEE Animation Forum and the Council of Europe, home of Eurimages, under its Pilot Programme for Series Co-productions. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening European animated series through international co-production, connecting independent producers with financing opportunities and cross-border creative collaboration.

Eight animated series will compete for the Award. The selection features three Czech projects, alongside one project each from Slovenia and Poland, as well as a Ukrainian–Czech, Bulgarian–French, and Slovak–Norwegian–Spanish co-production. The series are Buddy (directed by Nejc Gazvoda and Anja Jager, produced by Slovenia's Aerodrom & Gliser), Bugs (directed by Veronika Trokšiarová and Zlata Golecová, produced by Slovakia's Artichoke, Norway's Mikrofilm, Spain's Alba Sotorra), Didi and the Magical Garden (directed by Anna Matuszewska, produced by Poland's Filmograf), Finding Home (directed by Maria Stanisheva, produced by Bulgaria's Animadocs and France's Iliade et Films), Illogical Adult World (directed by Iryna Sosimovych, produced by Ukraine's Salt Cinema Productions and Czech Republic's Pure Shore), Little Big Ones (directed by Lucie Štamfestová, produced by Czech Republic's Maurfilm), Mould (directed by Philippe Kastner, produced by Czech Republic's BATCH film and 13ka) and Pebbi (directed by Sofiya Gorokh, produced by Czech Republic's Pirogy Studios). Find out more about these projects here.

The new Award reflects the CEEA Forum's continued commitment to animated series development. Alongside the pitching competition and market activities, the 2026 programme will feature expanded case studies, lectures, and industry discussions dedicated to animated series and TV specials.