Male musician on stage with a saxophone, with purple stage lights in the background

#WorkingInTheEU

Keep Musicians Working in the EU

It’s harder than it’s ever been for musicians working in the EU. Keep the pressure up and hold Government to account.

£5.8bn* value of the music industry

77%* musicians expect their earnings in Europe to decrease

21%* are considering a change of career

Email your MP

* Source: MU and ISM joint survey

Everyone’s talking about musicians working in the EU

Latest news and features

A mobile phone is left resting on the background of a passport, a wodge of euros and a map

Funding Round Opens for Music Export Growth Scheme

Round 22 of funding for small to medium sized music companies looking to build the profile of their artists overseas will close on 4 December 2023. The Music Export Growth Scheme will also be running an explanatory webinar on 27 November.

Published: 15 November 2023

A hand holding a new Navy British citizen passport.

Domestic Advisory Groups Agree Principles to Support Musicians and Creative Industries Working in the EU

In a joint formal agreement, UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups have called for more flexible travel arrangements and the creation of a cultural visa waiver for creative workers in the EU.

Published: 15 November 2023

Instrument flight cases in front of a stage ready for set up.

Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Earlier this week we hosted a webinar with ATA Carnet provider Business West on advice for acquiring and using an ATA Carnet when working overseas. This is now available for MU members to watch back.

Published: 19 October 2023

Member only Read more about Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Panorama of Deansgate area, Manchester, backed by the Deansgate Square skyscraper complex.

MU Partners with Beyond The Music Conference by Curating Panel on Music and Foreign Policy

The panel will discuss creating a UK Parliament for the music industry, with speakers including MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Chair of The Ivors Academy and founder of the Broken Record campaign, Tom Gray.

Published: 12 October 2023

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 October 2023

Musicians Working Overseas: An Update on Brexit and New Resources

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on news and report findings surrounding musicians and Brexit, new MU resources and a roundup of recent and upcoming panels, events and showcases he has attended to help promote the MU and its work overseas.

Published: 27 September 2023

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Delegate Conference wraps up with motions on the Welsh language, future pandemic planning for musicians and the closure of rail ticket offices, with union members using the second day of MU Delegate Conference to vote on a very clear set of policy priorities.

Published: 26 July 2023

Your stories

It can be useful to have examples of musicians and their experiences to share. Here are a few case studies from musicians – and where to find more.

I’d probably lose half of my income as a direct result of the loss of freedom of movement due to Brexit. I am established and successful. I shudder to think how anyone is going to be able to earn a decent income who is just starting out. – Catherine

As a 21 year-old cellist, I have been lucky enough to be able to perform around Europe for the last few years participating in festivals and solo recitals. These concerts are vital for creating contacts but due to being at the start of my career, are often not huge pay checks. I have been invited to Spain and Germany for two festivals this summer, this now means two sets of flights, different work permit/visa requirements and an ATA Carnet. I am still trying to work out if I can afford to go. – Maxim

Because of Covid travel restrictions I have given only two live performances within the EU since March 2020. I am extremely concerned that when these restrictions are eventually lifted the practical difficulties (red tape and associated costs) of touring post-Brexit will mean the permanent loss of two-thirds of my income. This would render a formerly viable career unsustainable, even more so when you consider that work at home has been so limited for the past year with no prospect of a return to anything like normal service in the foreseeable future and also that streaming which the public has relied upon to ease them through successive lockdowns is not adequately remunerated. – Sophia

Whatever the case for Brexit, there should be no unintended consequences damaging the cultural and artistic community of the UK, and with hope for recovery for that massively damaged sector, everything must be done to support it as touring abroad thankfully becomes possible again. – Jeremy

Read more stories from musicians and fans on the Musicians’ Passport petition, and in the latest Musicians’ Union-ISM report.

Join the conversation

Film projector Many musicians & performers in Glasgow North already excluded from UK gov support now left reeling from the Tories' disgraceful refusal to negotiate visa-free EU touring. Scotland's international reputation at risk with #Brexit obsession @WeAreTheMU #WorkingInTheEU #ExcludedUK

@GradySNP

Find out more on Patrick Grady MP

Arts and culture have been consistently undermined in the UK, and ending Freedom of Movement is yet another blow to the industry. Touring musicians and the teams who make the shows possible are now facing additional red tape as a result of this government rejecting visa-free tours for musicians.[..]

@greenameliawomack

Find out more on Amelia Womack

@WeAreTheMU notified us about leaked info today. So difficult to understand & comprehend the government's thinking when they rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians. Please sign this petition and let's get this revisited. Thank you.

@chichinwanoku

Find out more on Chi-chi Nwanoku

Take a moment, if you can, to read this thread. It is worth your time seeing and thinking about things from the musicians perspective. @WeAreTheMU

@calvinhansen

Find out more on Calvin Hansen

First leg of Blues Caravan 2020 is done! I've met so many lovely fans and music lovers and got to travel with these brilliant people for the past 5 weeks. Thank you to each and everyone of you. Now time for some well deserved rest 😪

@amanda_drums

Find out more on Amanda Dal

From around the web

BBC News

The MU member Fighting for Freedom of Movement

Read the story of Anneke Scott sending MPs a postcard from every European city where she performs, to highlight her concerns over Brexit.

NME

“It’s going to be devastating”

Here’s how Brexit will screw over British touring artists. Read an NME feature.

Youtube

Ode to Joy

performance at the BBC Proms in 2017

Guidance and advice

Flowchart to working in Europe from 1 January 2021

A comprehensive guide to working in Europe from 1 January 2021 in a form of a Flowchart with useful links.

Guidance for musicians on touring in the EU

Frequently asked questions by musicians on Brexit, answered.

Our letter to the PM

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge demands urgent action. Read more.

Naomi Pohl

General Secretary

MU Secretariat

Horace Trubridge

Senior Executive Officer

MU Secretariat

Isabelle Gutierrez

Head of CGR

MU Communications & Government Relations

comms@themu.org

Dave Webster

Head of International

MU National Office

david.webster@themu.org