Historic New International Treaty for TV and Streaming Series to Launch at Series Mania
The treaty aims to transform culture into a “force for cooperation and democracy,” and Berset has issued a call to all 46 Council of Europe Member States—and nations beyond—to adopt the framework.
RMN Stars TV Desk
New Delhi | March 19, 2026
LILLE, FRANCE – The European television landscape is bracing for a major shift as Series Mania, the continent’s premier event dedicated to small-screen storytelling, prepares to host the signing of a landmark international treaty. On March 26, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will officially open for signature the new Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series.
This groundbreaking agreement represents the first international legal framework specifically designed to govern the independent co-production of series for both traditional television and global streaming platforms. Industry experts view the convention as a critical move to support independent producers and enhance transparency within a rapidly evolving digital market.
A New Chapter for Global Storytelling
The convention arrives at a time when episodic content has become a primary driver of cultural exchange. Secretary General Berset described series as “one of the defining cultural forms of our time,” noting their unique ability to bring diverse perspectives directly into the homes of viewers across international borders.
The treaty aims to transform culture into a “force for cooperation and democracy,” and Berset has issued a call to all 46 Council of Europe Member States—and nations beyond—to adopt the framework.
“A Major Step Forward”
Laurence Herszberg, the founder and General Director of Series Mania, hailed the treaty as a “major step forward for the industry”. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, she emphasized that the convention aligns with the festival’s core mission to deliver more diverse content to international audiences.
The signing will take place during the Lille Dialogues, an elite international summit within the Series Mania Forum that brings together political decision-makers and top-tier industry executives to address the sector’s most pressing strategic challenges.
The Hub of the Series World
Series Mania has cemented its status as Europe’s largest dedicated TV festival, attracting up to 108,000 spectators and 5,000 industry professionals from over 75 countries. With 84 exhibitors and 25 international delegations expected this year, the festival serves as a massive launchpad for world premieres and high-level masterclasses.
The Council of Europe’s influence in the entertainment sector is already peaking; the announcement comes on the heels of the Council’s Eurimages fund celebrating a major win at the Academy Awards, where the supported film Sentimental Value took home the Oscar for Best International Feature Film.
As the industry converges on Lille, this new convention is expected to provide the legal backbone necessary for the next generation of high-end, cross-border independent productions.
