SERIES MANIA FORUM ANNOUNCES COUNCIL OF EUROPE SECRETARY GENERAL ALAIN BERSET TO CHAIR CEREMONY FOR OPENING OF SIGNATURE FOR NEW COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION ON THE CO- PRODUCTION OF AUDIOVISUAL WORKS IN THE FORM OF SERIES
Marks the first international legal framework specifically dedicated to the independent co-production of series for television and streaming platforms
LILLE & PARIS, FRANCE – March 16, 2026 – On March 26 th during the Series Mania Forum, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will chair a ceremony to open for signature the new Council of Europe Convention on the Co-production of Audiovisual Works in the form of Series. The signature is set for 26 March, 11.30am at the Théâtre Marie Curie, Lille Grand Palais.
The first international legal framework specifically dedicated to the independent co-production of
series for television and streaming platforms, the convention marks a significant step for the European and international audiovisual sector: It strengthens cultural cooperation, supports independent producers. and enhances transparency in a fast-moving world.
“Series are one of the defining cultural forms of our time, reaching audiences across borders and bringing different perspectives into our homes,” says Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset. “With this convention, we are opening a new international framework to support independent producers and strengthen cooperation. I encourage all 46 Council of Europe Member States – and countries beyond – to join us in making culture a force for cooperation and democracy.”
“We are honoured to host this historic signing at Series Mania as part of the Lille Dialogues, our international summit bringing together political decision makers and leading industry figures to shape the future of Europe’s audiovisual sector. This Convention marks a major step forward for the industry. It will help bring more diverse series to audiences across Europe and beyond, a mission that has always been at the heart of Series Mania,” said Laurence Herszberg, Founder and General Director of Series Mania.
Also in Lille, the Secretary General will deliver an opening speech to the Lille Dialogues, an international summit that brings together political decision-makers and audiovisual industry leaders to discuss the sector’s major strategic challenges as part of the Series Mania Forum.
