European Agenda for Music

Finally! The long-awaited European Agenda for Music was successfully launched on 21 March in Brussels. More than 100 music sector stakeholders and representatives from the European Parliament and European Commission gathered in Brussels to celebrate.

Take a look at the EAM website!


Michel Magnier, Director for Culture and Creativity in the Directorate-General for Education and Culture in the European Commission, described the Agenda as “rich and comprehensive” and highlighted the importance of the EMC’s and other music stakeholders’ contribution to, and advocacy for the European music sector. See an excerpt of his speech here. Helga Trüpel, Vice-Chair of the Culture and Education Committee in the European Parliament, spoke of the importance of supporting culture at a European level, affirming that “music in particular has the capacity to touch and move people. That’s why the European Agenda for Music is so important”.

What changes is the EAM targeting?
1. A stronger sense of European identity through a shared cultural vision
2. A recognised and valued music sector and a better understanding of the needs of all its diverse components
3. Improved access for each and every member of society to participate in music, in formal and non-formal settings
4. Greater diversity in all parts of the music sector, including personal background, gender, music genre, type of venue, funding opportunities, etc.
5. Increased professionalisation of the music sector
6. Increased opportunities for interaction within the music sector as well as with non-music sectors and across borders
7. Concrete changes in legislation targeting a range of priorities at both European and national, regional and local level
8. A funding framework that includes public and private support or combinations thereof, and that responds to the needs of a diverse music ecosystem
9. A more balanced market for music that supports the work of small- and medium-size music companies and organisations

The next step is to put the EAM into action. The EMC will base its advocacy work for the renewed European Agenda for Culture and the future EU-funding for culture and music on the EAM. The European Forum on Music from 7-10 June in Oslo will be the next opportunity to discuss who can do what and how with the European Agenda for Music.

Registration will open soon.