European Music Industry Opposes Cut to EU Culture Funding
A coalition of European music industry organisations has called on EU decision-makers to reject a proposed 30% reduction in funding for AgoraEU, warning that the cuts could undermine talent development, cross-border touring and the competitiveness of Europe`s music sector.
In a joint statement published on 28 October 2026, organisations including IMPALA, YOUROPE, Live DMA, Liveurope, ESNS, European Talent Exchange and the European Music Managers Alliance urged EU Member States and the Irish Presidency to restore funding for AgoraEU under the EU`s 2028–2034 budget.
The organisations oppose reducing AgoraEU`s proposed budget from €8.6 billion to approximately €6 billion. They argue that the reduction would place a disproportionate burden on culture, media and democracy, particularly as the proposed reduction to the overall EU budget is approximately 8%.
Music industry highlights economic contribution
The coalition points to the economic importance of Europe`s music sector, citing a 2020 Oxford Economics study estimating that music contributes €81.9 billion to EU GDP, supports approximately 2 million jobs and generates €9.7 billion in annual export revenue.
According to the statement, the European music industry faces increasing challenges from artificial intelligence, market concentration, streaming fraud and a lack of transparency in streaming business models.
The organisations argue that dedicated EU funding is particularly important for independent businesses and emerging artists, helping address structural challenges that cannot be resolved through national investment alone.
Calls for dedicated music funding
The coalition is calling for AgoraEU`s budget to be restored to at least the European Commission`s proposed €8.6 billion, while working towards the European Parliament`s higher proposal of €10.7 billion.
It also wants dedicated, ring-fenced funding for music within the programme, with a financial commitment at least matching the level proposed by Parliament`s rapporteur Emma Rafowicz.
Another priority is ensuring that funding opportunities cover the entire music industry value chain, including smaller and independent organisations.
The proposed measures would support talent development, international circulation of artists, audience development and the long-term sustainability of Europe`s music ecosystem.
For the live music industry, these priorities are particularly relevant to venues, festivals, promoters and organisations involved in developing emerging talent and facilitating cross-border performances.
Industry organisations warn of long-term consequences
In their joint statement, the signatories warn that reducing European support could limit opportunities for emerging artists and independent businesses.
"Without it, European music risks a future with European talent left undeveloped and future international successes unrealised," the organisations state.
They also emphasise that protecting AgoraEU`s overall budget must be accompanied by a specific financial commitment to music, secured in the programme`s regulation before negotiations conclude.
"Europe`s musical future will be shaped by the talent we enable to develop now. Reject the cuts and give that talent the investment it needs to succeed," the statement concludes.
Broad support across Europe`s music sector
The joint appeal is backed by organisations representing live music venues, festivals, booking and management interests, performers, composers, publishers, music exporters and other parts of the European music industry.
Among the signatories are IMPALA, Live DMA, Liveurope, YOUROPE, ESNS, European Talent Exchange, Europe Jazz Network, European Music Managers Alliance, European Music Exporters Exchange, the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), the European Music Council, GESAC, FIM and the Federation of Music Conferences.
The coalition is urging EU decision-makers to secure both sufficient overall funding for AgoraEU and dedicated financial support for the music sector as negotiations over the 2028–2034 EU budget continue.