Liveurope backs Parliament’s draft report calling for a dedicated music strand in AgoraEU

Liveurope welcomes the European Parliament’s draft report on the future AgoraEU programme, led by MEP rapporteurs Emma Rafowicz and Alice Kuhnke. The report marks a significant step forward reinforcing support for the music sector in the next EU long-term budget. The introduction of a dedicated music strand is a major milestone development and responds to a longstanding request from the music sector, signalling stronger recognition of its needs.

The proposed €750 million allocation for the music strand represents important progress, but should be considered a baseline rather than a ceiling, given the sector’s economic and social weight and the challenges it faces, including market concentration, dominance of UK-US repertoire, generative AI, and rising production costs.

We also welcome the report’s focus on artist mobility and the circulation of European music, which are essential to supporting emerging European artists at the beginning of their career, promoting cross-border collaboration and cultural diversity.

Furthermore, we welcome the call to establish a European Music Observatory. Strengthening data collection and analysis will foster greater transparency and empower evidence-based decision-making at a critical time for the music ecosystem.

As a platform dedicated to strengthening live music venues’ capacity to programme independently, Liveurope echoes the urgent message of these proposals. Music venues are facing monumental economic and structural pressures. Now more than ever, their vital role in nurturing emerging talent, fostering social inclusion, and maintaining Europe's vibrant cultural landscape must be recognised.