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EUphoria at Ancienne Belgique 2026
EUphoria returns for the 12th edition of our annual celebration of Europe through music. Held around Europe Day each year, the event combines engaging discussions on the future of Europe and music, networking moments, and live gigs with the next generation of European artists.
This year’s edition arrives at a pivotal moment, as negotiations for the AgoraEU programme within the EU’s long-term budget are underway. Together, we will examine how music can support democratic values, social cohesion, and strengthen the foundations of the European project, while also identifying what the sector needs to thrive under this new funding framework.
Let’s celebrate the resilience and diversity of Europe’s music and culture while imagining the possibilities for a future where creativity and cross-border collaboration continue to thrive.
Programme
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Doors
AB Antenna
Rue des Pierres 17 Steenstraat, 1000 Brussels
Rue des Pierres 17 Steenstraat, 1000 Brussels
Registered participants are invited to join us for a refreshment and mingle before the conference starts.
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Conference (by invitation only)
AB Antenna
Rue des Pierres 17 Steenstraat, 1000 Brussels
Rue des Pierres 17 Steenstraat, 1000 Brussels
Opening conversation
The conference will kick off with a conversation between European Commissioner Glenn Micallef and Cyprus’s own MME Award-winner, Della. Together they will explore topics ranging from their personal connection with music and its role in shaping Europe’s democratic future to the realities of being an emerging artist today.
Panel discussion: Europe, turn up the volume!
As Europe reflects on its shared values and future direction, the new AgoraEU funding programme offers a unique opportunity to rethink how music fans and citizens engage with the European project. At a moment when Europe seeks to strengthen its democratic fabric and foster a renewed sense of belonging, music can play a powerful role in shaping how Europeans connect, engage, and express their identities.
Yet, music’s place within this new EU funding instrument remains modest. With AI transforming creativity and value chains, mobility challenges persisting for European artists, and music venues under economic pressure, the sector needs a bold and strategic push to unlock its full potential.
This panel will explore how music can reinforce the democratic ambition of AgoraEU, and what the EU can do to support a strong, diverse, and resilient music ecosystem in the years ahead.
Speakers
- Emma Rafowicz, Member of the European Parliament (FR)
- Frank Kimenai, senior consultant at KEA / PhD researcher at Erasmus University Rotterdam (BE/NL)
- Gordelia Miländer, head of artistic programme at Paavli Kultuurivabrik (EE)
- More to be announced!
Moderator
- Fabien Miclet, European affairs consultant (FR)
Closing words by a representative from the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU
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Networking cocktail (by invitation only)
AB Club
Boulevard Anspach 110 Anspachlaan , 1000 Brussels
Boulevard Anspach 110 Anspachlaan , 1000 Brussels
The networking cocktail is open to cultural operators, policy and decision-makers, and media professionals.
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Concerts
AB Club
Boulevard Anspach 110 Anspachlaan , 1000 Brussels
Boulevard Anspach 110 Anspachlaan , 1000 Brussels
Concerts with the next generation of European artists. Get your concert tickets directly at AB.
Partners
