Moldovan parliament ratifies, in first reading, Council of Europe Convention on Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in Form of Series

The parliament has ratified, in the first reading, the Council of Europe Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series. The document aims to strengthen the European cultural diversity and create a common framework for developing audiovisual projects carried out in cooperation between states.

The Convention was adopted and opened for signature by the member states of the Council of Europe and the other states parties to the European Cultural Convention on March 26, 2026. Moldova signed the document on May 15, 2026. For it to enter into force, the Convention must be ratified by three states, at least two of which must be members of the Council of Europe. At present, it is not yet in force.

By ratifying the Convention, Moldova aims to facilitate cooperation between domestic producers and those from other European states, stimulate the exchange of experience, resources and professional expertise and provide access to mechanisms for financing, distribution and legal recognition of joint projects.

"The main legal effect of the Convention consists in assimilating official co-productions with national works in each of the states participating in the co-production. Independent co-producers acquire the right to official recognition of co-production status, subject to compliance with the established criteria, as well as the right to a share of ownership over the completed work and to proportional participation in exploitation rights and the revenues generated," the report of the commission for foreign policy reads.

At the same time, the Convention guarantees the participation of co-producers in essential decisions regarding creation and production, access to information on the audience and exploitation of series, as well as a fair distribution of benefits.

The participating states will have to designate competent authorities for approving official co-production status and apply the procedures laid down in the Convention regarding artistic and technical criteria, as well as the independence of producers.

For Moldova, joining this European mechanism represents an important step in the process of European integration and alignment with the cultural and audiovisual standards of the Council of Europe. Ratification of the Convention is also linked to the objective of joining the "Eurimages" Fund, provided for in the National Accession Plan for 2025–2029.

The authorities estimate that implementation of the Convention will contribute to strengthening the international cultural relations of Moldova, integrating the national audiovisual sector into European co-production networks and affirming the country as an active partner in the European audiovisual space.

The document does not establish direct financial obligations for the state and does not involve mandatory contributions to a common budget. Financial benefits will be granted within the limits and under the conditions laid down by national legislation.

The draft law for the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series was submitted to the parliament for adoption at first reading by the commission for foreign policy.