Nine Nations Sign Landmark Council of Europe Treaty to Boost Independent Series Co-Production

The agreement is seen as a vital step in equipping European creators to withstand the growing pressures of disinformation and market dominance by global platforms.

RMN News Entertainment Desk
New Delhi | March 30, 2026

LILLE, France — In a move aimed at reshaping the global audiovisual landscape, nine countries officially signed the new Council of Europe Convention on series co-production at the Series Mania forum.

The signatories—France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Poland, and Portugal—have joined what is being hailed as the first international legal framework specifically dedicated to the independent co-production of television and streaming series.

A Shield Against Algorithms

The treaty arrives at a time of rapid industry transformation, as streaming platforms increasingly dictate how stories are financed and consumed. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset emphasized that the convention is designed to protect European creators from market concentration and the “dictates of algorithms”.

“This treaty will better establish the position of independent producers in a market dominated by non-European players,” Berset stated during the ceremony, noting that it provides much-needed transparency and predictability to a complex international market.

Fostering Diverse Narratives

Beyond its technical framework, the convention serves a cultural mission: safeguarding diverse, high-quality storytelling and ensuring that authentic, pluralistic narratives can survive in a volatile information space. Berset described the agreement as a “strategic signal for the future resilience of European production,” highlighting that European strength lies in the cooperation between policymakers, creators, and the industry.

The Secretary General drew parallels to the Council’s existing convention on cinematographic co-production, which has historically paved the way for global success. He specifically pointed to the recent Oscar win for Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value as an example of how robust co-production frameworks can lead to international acclaim.

The Path Forward

While nine countries have initiated the process, the treaty requires three ratifications—including at least two from Council of Europe member states—before it officially enters into force. Berset concluded the event by urging remaining member countries to sign and ratify the convention to further strengthen the cross-border production network.

The agreement is seen as a vital step in equipping European creators to withstand the growing pressures of disinformation and market dominance by global platforms.