Council of Europe Adopts Landmark Convention to Boost International Co-production of Audiovisual Series

Council of Europe Adopts Landmark Convention to Boost International Co-production of Audiovisual Series

By encouraging cultural collaboration across borders, the convention aims to foster a richer mix of languages, perspectives, and storytelling traditions in the serial works available to citizens in Europe and internationally, enhancing their wider circulation.

RMN News Entertainment Desk
New Delhi | November 26, 2025

Strasbourg, 26 November 2025 – 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. Announced in Strasbourg, this milestone agreement establishes the first international legal framework specifically dedicated to supporting the independent co-production of series designed for television and streaming platforms.

The new convention marks a significant step for the European and international audiovisual sector. Its primary goal is to strengthen cultural cooperation, support independent producers, and enhance transparency within this fast-moving industry.

A Response to Serialized Storytelling Growth

The adoption of this convention directly responds to the rapid expansion of series as a dominant format in the global offering of audiovisual works. While rules for co-production previously existed for cinema, this framework introduces a specific set of rules that reflect the unique realities of serialized storytelling.

A core function of the convention is the streamlining of administrative procedures and the clarification of obligations. This focus makes it easier for independent producers from diverse countries to work together. By facilitating cross-border cooperation, the convention reinforces the role of independent producers, ensuring their equitable participation in ownership rights and revenues, which is crucial for their long-term financial viability.

Fostering Cultural Pluralism and Democratic Values

By encouraging cultural collaboration across borders, the convention aims to foster a richer mix of languages, perspectives, and storytelling traditions in the serial works available to citizens in Europe and internationally, enhancing their wider circulation.

The new agreement also acknowledges the essential role played by both public and private media service providers in the creation and diffusion of series. It provides guidelines intended to establish balanced interaction where series are initiated by independent producers.

Once in force, the convention will establish a stable and internationally recognised foundation for high-quality audiovisual works. These works are supported in their role as public goods that nurture linguistic vitality, pluralism, and democratic participation, thereby aligning with the Council of Europe’s mission to safeguard democracy.

Path to Ratification

The convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series is set to open for signature by Council of Europe member countries in early 2026. The framework will formally enter into force upon ratification by three countries.

Analogy: Think of the new Convention as installing universal adapter plugs for filmmakers across Europe. Before, cross-border series production was like trying to plug a European appliance into an American socket—possible with clunky, ad-hoc converters (the old cinema rules).

Now, this legal framework provides standard, streamlined administrative procedures, making it effortless for creative energy (the electricity) to flow smoothly between different national production companies.