ARTE welcomes Dutch public broadcaster NPO into its European partnership network

ARTE, Europe’s cultural broadcasting consortium, has expanded its circle of partners with the addition of Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO), the Dutch public broadcasting organisation. With NPO joining, ARTE’s European partner network now comprises 14 members.

The association agreement was formally signed on 19 January 2026 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam by Bruno Patino – Vice-President of ARTE GEIE and President of ARTE France – and Jet de Ranitz, Chair of NPO’s Board. The ceremony coincided with the filming of a Sting concert for the ZDF/ARTE production Sting – Sounds Like Art.

In a joint statement, ARTE GEIE Executive Board President Heike Hempel and Vice-President Bruno Patino highlighted that the new partnership underscores the value of collaboration among Europe’s public media. They emphasised that the agreement would pave the way for shared projects, co-productions, enhanced editorial dialogue and a stronger exchange of creative talent, ultimately providing both ARTE and NPO audiences with broader viewpoints and richer programming.

Jet de Ranitz welcomed the agreement as a significant milestone for European public broadcasting. She stressed that it reflects strong international confidence in NPO’s creative sector and opens new doors for Dutch content to travel across the continent. At a time of financial pressure for public media, she added, ARTE’s support will help sustain ambitious co-productions for Dutch viewers and elevate their stories on a wider European stage.

The partnership, which initially runs for two years with an option for renewal, includes plans for several co-productions each year. It also grants NPO and other partner bodies advisory participation in ARTE’s key governance forums, such as the General Assembly and the Programme Conference.

NPO’s addition strengthens ARTE’s broad European network, which already includes Suspilne Ukraine, SVT (Sweden), LPM (Latvia), RTVE (Spain), LRT (Lithuania), the Film Fund Luxembourg, RTÉ (Ireland), RAI Com (Italy), ČT (Czech Republic), ORF (Austria), YLE (Finland), SRG SSR (Switzerland) and RTBF (Belgium).