The Council of Europe and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have strengthened their long‑standing partnership with the signature of a new memorandum of understanding establishing a joint award aimed at supporting high‑quality European drama series designed for international co‑production.
Building on their earlier memorandum of understanding signed in 2011, the two organisations formalised cooperation for this initiative, reaffirming shared commitments to democracy, human rights, cultural diversity, freedom of expression and media pluralism.
The shared initiative, previewed on 28 January at the TV Drama Vision during the Gothenburg Film Festival, Sweden, will enable partners support creativity, cultural diversity and democratic values in the audiovisual sector by granting the European Series Development award.
The award will provide €50,000 in development support to help advance ambitious European drama series that aim to become European series co-productions. The selected beneficiaries will sign a grant award agreement with the Council of Europe.
The European Series Development award aims to encourage independent European storytelling, strengthen crossborder co‑production, foster collaboration between producers and public service media, and support high‑quality drama series with strong European and democratic relevance.
The newly created award will be implemented within the Council of Europe's pilot programme for series co‑productions, run through Eurimages, and will be supported by the EBU Drama Initiative and the EBU Fiction Expert Group.
The joint call for projects will be launched by the Council of Europe in consultation with the EBU, on 13 February, with a submission deadline of 18 March 2026. Following an expert review and shortlisting process, a jury composed of representatives of both organisations and an independent professional will select the up to two projects to receive awards.
By combining the Council of Europe's mission to promote cultural and democratic values with the EBU's network and expertise in public service media, the new award is expected to reinforce creative collaboration across borders and contribute to a more vibrant and diverse European drama landscape.
Frequently asked questions - Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions
Council of Europe pilot programme for series co-productions
