The letter from the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC) calls for urgent progress in tearing down the barriers that continue to limit UK and EU touring. Photo: Shutterstock.
The Prime Minister will meet António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in Brussels on Friday 20 November for the second UK-EU summit.
Ahead of the summit, representatives of the cultural and creative sectors have written an open letter to the leaders to stress the vital importance of cultural exchange as an intrinsic part of the UK-EU relationship.
The letter from the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC) calls for urgent progress in tearing down the barriers that continue to limit UK and EU touring.
In a clear message to the PM and EU leaders, the letter says: “The 2026 Summit should establish a structured EU-UK dialogue with a clear pathway to unlock the full potential of EU-UK cultural exchange.
“This should include practical solutions for the movement of touring professionals and essential equipment, as well as the UK’s cooperation and involvement in European programmes, such as Creative Europe, which facilitate international partnerships and exchange.”
Wide-ranging support for the campaign
Established in December 2025, the CEC is a coalition of people and organisations from across the UK and EU that create, support and sustain culture and creativity.
Founder CEC members include UK Music, the Musicians’ Union, Pearle* Live Performance Europe, PRS for Music, Live Music Industry Venues and Entertainment (LIVE), Association of British Orchestras (ABO), Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), Society of London Theatre (SOLT) & UK Theatre and One Dance UK.
Organisations include representatives from music, dance, theatre and visual arts, technical companies, charities, trade unions and businesses from across Europe as well as orchestras. The countries with the most signatories are the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Spain.
Among the stars backing the campaign are Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jools Holland, Belgian conductor Dirk Brossé, and Level 42 bassist Mark King.
We need urgent action to tackle the negative impact of Brexit on our creative and cultural sectors
In a joint statement on behalf of the CEC, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl, Head of International at the Musicians’ Union Dave Webster and Director of Pearle* Live Performance Europe Anita Debaere said: “We need urgent action from the UK government and European institutions to tackle the negative impact of Brexit on our creative and cultural sectors.
“It is vital that the summit sets out a pathway to agree practical solutions to make it easier for everyone to tour the EU and UK by removing red tape and extra costs that are major barriers to our efforts to create jobs and growth.”
According to research published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in August, the UK is estimated to have lost £208 million and 2,490 full-time equivalent jobs between 2022 and 2024 within the touring sector.
The Prime Minister aims to use the summit to push for deals to cut costs and red tape for British businesses, support industry and boost growth in the UK.
At the first summit, held in London on 19 May 2025, the UK and the EU agreed a new strategic partnership. In Brussels, leaders will review progress and agree on practical next steps to deepen cooperation on a range of issues.