An organic electroluminescent device (1) comprising an EL element (2) supported on a transparent substrate (6). A cover plate (7) of a ceramic or glass-ceramic material is provided which plate is sealed by metallic sealing means (10), to the transparent substrate, whereby a gas-tight enclosure is formed for the EL element. The cover plate supports a driver IC (15). The cover plate is provided with internal conductors (12a, 12b, 12c) which connect first contact pads (13a, 13b, 13c) connected to the EL element (2) and to second contact pads (14a, 14b, 14c) connected to the driver IC (15), at least one first contact pad and the second contact pad to which it is connected being non-aligned.