Preamble
The member States of the Council of Europe and the other States Parties to the European Cultural Convention (ETS No. 18), signatory hereto,
Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve greater unity between
its members in order, in particular, to safeguard and promote the ideals and principles
which form their common heritage;
Considering that freedom of creation and freedom of expression constitute fundamental
elements of these principles;
Considering that fostering the cultural diversity of the various European countries
is one of the aims of the European Cultural Convention;
Having regard to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (Paris, 20 October 2005), which recognises cultural diversity as a defining characteristic
of humanity and strives to strengthen the creation, production, dissemination, distribution
and enjoyment of cultural expressions;
Considering that cinematographic co-production, an instrument of creation and expression
of cultural diversity on a global scale, should be reinforced;
Aware that film is an important means of cultural and artistic expression with an
essential role in upholding the freedom of expression, diversity and creativity, as
well as democratic citizenship;
Determined to develop these principles and recalling the recommendations of the Committee
of Ministers to member States on the cinema and the audiovisual field, and particularly
Recommendation Rec(86)3 on the promotion of audiovisual production in Europe and Recommendation
CM/Rec(2009)7 on national film policies and the diversity of cultural expressions;
Acknowledging that Resolution Res(88)15 setting up a European Support Fund for the
Co-production and Distribution of Creative Cinematographic and Audiovisual Works “Eurimages”
has been amended to allow the accession of non-member States;
Resolved to achieve these objectives thanks to a common effort to foster co-operation
and define rules which adapt themselves to cinematographic co-productions as a whole;
Considering that the adoption of common rules tends to decrease restrictions and encourage
co-operation in the field of cinematographic co-production;
Considering the technological, economic and financial evolution of the film industry
since the opening for signature of the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (ETS No. 147) in 1992;
Believing that this development necessitates a revision of the 1992 Convention in order to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of this framework for
cinematographic co-production;
Acknowledging that the present Convention is intended to replace the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production,