Report: Over a quarter of UK musicians lost all EU work since 2021
9 reported
A new report from European Movement UK, a cross-party campaign group advocating closer UK-EU relations, states that more than a quarter of British musicians have lost all their work in the European Union since 2021. The report found that nearly half of British musicians experienced a reduced amount of EU work, and average tour earnings fell by 45%. Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, said the findings reflect a wider crisis across the creative economy, noting that touring the EU remains financially unviable for many musicians post-Brexit. The report highlights barriers including different visa systems, work permit requirements, and the Schengen 90-days-in-180 rule. It also cites costs such as ATA carnets costing over £400 and cabotage rules limiting haulier stops. The loss of Creative Europe funding, which invested €111m in 376 UK organisations between 2014 and 2020, is also mentioned as a major blow.
What’s reported
More than a quarter of British musicians have lost all EU work since 2021.
Nearly half of British musicians experienced reduced EU work since 2021.
Average tour earnings fell by 45%.
59% of musicians said touring in Europe was no longer viable.
UK creatives face different visa systems in each EU member state, new work permit requirements, and the Schengen 90-days-in-180 rule.
ATA carnets can cost more than £400, with security deposits of up to 40% of equipment value.
Cabotage rules limit the number of stops UK hauliers can make within the EU.
Creative Europe funding invested €111m in 376 UK organisations between 2014 and 2020.
Music contributed £8bn in 2024, including nearly £5bn in exports; performing arts contributed more than £11bn.
Key figures
Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music
Mig Schallache, owner of The Louisiana in Bristol
Sources: The Guardian
