André Haspels, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the Council of Europe, signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Co-production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series (CETS No. 230), known as the “Lille Convention”, on 3 November 2026 in Strasbourg, in the presence of Tanja Gonggrijp, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Netherlands is the 13th country to sign the Convention, following its opening for signature in Lille, France, on 26 March 2026.

A new framework for international series co-production

Series have become a major part of the audiovisual landscape, particularly with the growth of streaming platforms. As Deputy Secretary General Tanja Gonggrijp highlighted following the signing ceremony, the Lille Convention aims to make it easier and fairer for producers from different countries to join forces and bring European stories to audiences.

The Convention extends to series the multilateral co-production framework that has existed for cinema since 1992 through the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production. It also contributes to the Council of Europe's efforts to protect and promote Europe's rich and diverse cultural heritage through high-quality storytelling and international cooperation.

The final text was adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 25–26 November 2025. The Convention will enter into force once three countries have ratified it, including at least two Council of Europe member states.

The Netherlands' signature marks another step towards establishing a common European framework for international series co-production and strengthening cultural cooperation across Europe.