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European Series Development Award to Support High-Quality Drama Series

Deadline: 18-Mar-2026

The Council of Europe and European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have launched a new initiative offering €50,000 in development funding for European drama series aimed at international co‑production. Projects should promote cultural diversity, democratic values, and independent storytelling, targeting audiences aged 16 and above. Eligible applicants are producers from Council of Europe member states with fiction drama series of 3–10 episodes and a total runtime of up to 600 minutes.

Programme Overview

This initiative supports ambitious European drama series designed for international co‑production. Key objectives include:

  • Promoting creativity, cultural diversity, and democratic values in the audiovisual sector

  • Encouraging independent European storytelling

  • Strengthening cross-border co‑production and collaboration between producers and public service media

  • Supporting high-quality drama series with strong European and social relevance

The programme builds on a long-standing partnership between the Council of Europe and EBU, formalized in 2011 and renewed through a new agreement. It reaffirms commitments to:

  • Democracy and human rights

  • Freedom of expression

  • Media pluralism

  • Cultural diversity

The initiative was previewed at TV Drama Vision during the Gothenburg Film Festival, highlighting its goal to provide significant development support for projects with international ambitions.

Funding and Award Details

  • Award Name: European Series Development

  • Funding Amount: €50,000 per project

  • Distribution: Jury may award the full amount to one project or split it between two projects

  • Funding Type: Strictly development grant for project advancement toward international co-production

  • Grant Agreement: Successful applicants will sign an agreement with the Council of Europe

Who is Eligible?

  • Applicants must be initiating producers of their projects

  • Must operate production companies in Council of Europe member states

  • Production company must be independent from any media service provider

  • Projects must be fiction drama series with:

    • 3–10 episodes

    • Maximum total runtime: 600 minutes

    • Target audience: 16 years and older

  • All genres are accepted

Programme Support Structure

The award is implemented within the Council of Europe’s pilot programme for series co‑productions via Eurimages. Additional support is provided by:

  • EBU Drama Initiative

  • EBU Fiction Expert Group

This framework ensures that projects benefit from expert guidance, industry connections, and international visibility.

Application Focus

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their series:

  • Reflects European cultural diversity

  • Promotes socially relevant and democratic themes

  • Shows potential for international co-production

  • Encourages collaboration across borders and networks

Expected Outcomes

  • High-quality European drama series reaching international audiences

  • Strengthened European storytelling and production networks

  • Enhanced cross-border collaboration between producers and public service media

  • Promotion of diverse narratives reflecting democratic values

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly demonstrate cultural and social relevance of the series

  • Provide a detailed episode plan and series structure

  • Highlight cross-border co-production potential

  • Show evidence of independence from media service providers

  • Include production company credentials and prior experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Who can apply for the award?
    Initiating producers from production companies based in Council of Europe member states.

  2. What types of projects are eligible?
    Fiction drama series with 3–10 episodes, targeting audiences aged 16+, with a total runtime under 600 minutes.

  3. How much funding is available?
    Up to €50,000 per project, either awarded fully to one project or split between two.

  4. Is the funding for production costs?
    No, it is strictly a development grant to advance projects toward co-production.

  5. Can media service providers apply?
    No, applicants must operate independent production companies.

  6. Which organisations provide guidance and support?
    Eurimages, EBU Drama Initiative, and the EBU Fiction Expert Group.

  7. What is the ultimate goal of the initiative?
    To foster high-quality European drama, promote cultural diversity, and enable international co-production opportunities.

Conclusion

The European Series Development Award presents a unique opportunity for European producers to advance culturally diverse and socially relevant drama series for international audiences. By combining development funding, expert support, and cross-border collaboration, the initiative strengthens European storytelling while reinforcing democratic values in the audiovisual sector.

For more information, visit Council of Europe.