New series. Poland signed a groundbreaking convention. Is this the end of the dominance of streaming giants?

On Thursday, Poland, together with eight other countries, signed the Council of Europe Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series. The document provides the first international legal framework for such works and aims to facilitate international co-production.

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The signing of the convention was previously announced by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. Maciej Wróbel, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, signed on behalf of Poland. This took place at the opening ceremony of the convention for signing during the Series Mania festival in Lille, France. The convention was also signed by: Montenegro, France, Greece, Georgia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal and Italy.

During the official signing of the convention by the first group of countries, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, thanked the signatories and appealed to the remaining CoE countries to sign and ratify the document. “This treaty will ensure a better position for independent producers in a market dominated by non-European players, in the context of economic models dictated by algorithms,” Berset said.

The aim of the convention is to support international co-production of “audiovisual works in the form of series”. This includes both fictional series, documentaries and animations.

Poland among the first signatories

The Council of Europe estimates that series have become the dominant format in the global offer of audiovisual works. They are often created with the participation of partners from different countries. The new convention, following the example of the older convention on co-production in cinematography, is to introduce rules tailored to the production of TV series. It is the first international legal act regarding independent joint series productions. It takes into account the specificity of financing, production and distribution of such works.

The convention – as explained by the European Council – is intended to facilitate cross-border cooperation, reduce administrative barriers, create clearer rules for sharing copyrights and income, and improve access to public support programs. The new law will benefit: independent producers, broadcasters and streaming platforms, and public film and audiovisual institutions. For producers, the convention – according to the European Council – will mean: better protection of intellectual property and better access to international funds.

The document was agreed in November 2025. Opening the convention for signature means that countries can sign and ratify it. The convention will enter into force after ratification by three countries – i.e. it will then be legally binding in those countries that have ratified it.

From Lille Anna Wróbel (PAP)

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