European Music Sector Urges Stronger Policy and Funding
A coalition of organisations representing Europe’s music sector has called on EU policymakers to adopt a dedicated policy strategy and increase funding for music within the forthcoming AgoraEU programme (2028–2034).
The statement, signed by more than 20 European music associations, welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for AgoraEU and its commitment to strengthening cultural and creative sectors (CCS).
With CCS generating €354 billion in value added and employing 6.3% of the EU workforce, the group described investment in culture as “vital.”
The Commission’s plan includes a proposed €1.796 billion allocation to the Creative Europe – Culture strand, accounting for 21% of the overall programme. While acknowledging this as a positive development, the signatories said it should be seen as “a baseline, not a ceiling.” They emphasised the need for both increased funding and a sector-specific strategy addressing artistic freedom, fair working conditions, and cultural diversity.
Despite music’s wide reach and economic significance—employing over 1.3 million people across the EU—the sector warned it remains underrepresented in EU cultural policy. The organisations noted that unlike the previous framework, the current AgoraEU proposal does not include an explicit reference to music or measures following up on the Music Moves Europe (MME) initiative.
The coalition argues that AgoraEU should provide:
Dedicated calls and programmes tailored to music;
A European Music Observatory to strengthen evidence-based policymaking;
Principles ensuring ethical and fair adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence.
They also urged EU institutions to build on the achievements of MME between 2018 and 2020, including sector mapping, studies, and pilot actions. Both EU Culture Ministers and the European Parliament have previously supported a more structured European strategy for music.
“AgoraEU must deliver not only funding but also a coherent policy strategy that reflects music’s economic, social, and cultural importance,” the statement said.
The call is backed by organisations including the European Music Council (EMC), International Federation of Musicians (FIM), Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA), European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA), Liveurope and YOUROPE, among others.