The Council of Europe's Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series is adopted

IRIS 2025-10:1/3

Eric Munch

European Audiovisual Observatory

On 26 November, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted the final text of the Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series. Series have become a dominant format in the global offer of audiovisual works and are frequently made by partners from different countries. Building on the success of the framework for film coproduction established by the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cinematographic Co-production, the new Convention introduces a distinct set of rules tailored for series, providing producers cooperating across borders with a framework adapted to multi-episode and multi-season production. The text is thus the first international legal framework specifically dedicated to the independent co-production of series for television and streaming platforms.

The Convention is meant to respond to the rapid growth of series as a dominant format offer, with a set of new co-production rules which previously only existed for cinema. Streamlined administrative procedures and clarified obligations aim to make it easier for independent producers from different countries to work together, reinforcing their role and enabling equitable participation in the ownership rights and revenues that sustain long-term viability.

By facilitating cross-border cooperation, reducing administrative barriers, creating clearer rules for rights and revenue sharing, and improving access to public support schemes, the Convention contributes to a more predictable and supportive environment for producing ambitious international series.

The Committee of Ministers expects the Convention to be beneficial to many actors as well as to audiences, who will gain access to more diverse and culturally-rich content. Independent producers are expected to gain stronger protection of rights and more equitable participation in revenues, while broadcasters and streaming platforms are expected to gain access to larger, higher-quality international projects with reduced risk when they co-produce. Lastly, national film and audiovisual agencies are expected to benefit from a harmonised framework for recognising official co-productions.

In addition to a focus on the independent production sector, the Convention acknowledges the essential role of public and private media service providers in creating and diffusing series. It provides guidelines for balanced interaction where series are initiated by independent producers.

In a document accompanying the publication of the Convention, the Council of Europe’s Media Department explains that it will complement existing instruments such as Eurimages and the Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions. While the latter are financial instruments, the Convention will provide a legal one.

It will be opened for signature in early 2026 and enter a phase of signature and ratification by member States of the Council of Europe or states party to the European Cultural Convention. The Convention will enter into force once three States have ratified it.

The Eurimages Board of Management is entrusted with the follow-up on the Convention’s implementation.