News & Stories for Musicians

Close up of a Germany visa stamp on a passport.

New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany

New MU guidance outlines the rules for musicians working in Germany, including work permit exemptions, visa requirements and key considerations for performers accepting engagements in the country.

Published: 20 August 2026

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Young man at a sound desk in a recording studio, sat looking at the screen.

Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now

As new Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office, here are three things he can do to support music and musicians right now.

Published: 24 July 2026

Dave speaking on stage at the convention.

MU Takes Union Solidarity to the 103rd American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Convention

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Head of International Dave Webster shared union solidarity and spotlighted common industrial issues in keynote speeches at the 103rd American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Convention.

Published: 25 June 2026

Several flight cases for musical instruments lined up in a row.

MU Welcomes Provisional EU Agreement for Musical Instruments on Planes

The European Parliament and the Council have provisionally agreed on revised air passenger rights rules to improve air travel for musicians, offering clearer rules for instruments on planes after years of campaigning.

Published: 23 June 2026

A group of professionals gathered round the end of a table.

MU Well-Represented at European Movement Roundtable and Report Launch

MU representatives joined a discussion with European Movement and Lib Dem MPs to address the impact of Brexit on touring artists. The roundtable also marked the launch of a new report that sets out solutions to rebuild UK–EU creative cooperation.

Published: 11 June 2026

Portrait of the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

MU General Secretary Discusses Music Education Funding with Chancellor

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday at a TULO meeting to raise concerns about long-standing underfunding of music education and called for it to be increased in line with inflation.

Published: 04 June 2026

Call for Artists: Help UK Access EU Funding Through Creative Europe Programme

UK musicians are missing out on major EU funding. Help the Forum on EU-UK Cultural & Media Relations advocate for the UK joining Creative Europe by submitting a short testimonial.

Published: 04 June 2026

Blue sign at an airport saying 'Douanes francaises, French customs'.

France Confirms ELO Requirement from April 2026 But Uncertainty Remains for Musicians

France’s new Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) — a digital customs system for declaring goods — will become mandatory from 20 April 2026. However, it remains unclear whether the rules apply to musicians taking merchandise into the country.

Published: 16 April 2026

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster outside the European Parliament building.

MU Joins Policymakers in Brussels to Discuss UK–EU Cultural Exchange

This week, the MU joined a creative industries delegation in Brussels to discuss strengthening cultural exchange between the UK and the EU, including removing barriers to cross-border touring.

Published: 25 March 2026

New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force

Following a decision at the CITES Conference of the Parties, new rules governing the international trade of pernambuco bows came into force on 5 March 2026. Guidance from the UK CITES authority explains what the changes mean for musicians.

Published: 06 March 2026

The UK and EU flags, waved together in front of Big Ben in London.

MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme

The EU/UK Culture Forum has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin Creative Europe from 2027. The programme supports funding and cultural collaboration across Europe, and the MU is encouraging members to sign and show their support.

Published: 26 February 2026

Person walking into a venue with a cello case on their back.

Musical Instrument Certificates to Remain Free of Charge

Following results from a recent consultation by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Musical Instrument Certificates will remain free of charge for musicians travelling with instruments containing endangered materials.

Published: 10 February 2026

MU Welcomes EU Visa Policy Strategy Paper

The European Commission has released a new strategy paper on finding solutions to EU touring barriers for artists.

Published: 10 February 2026

Group of seven people, named in the caption, standing together in a regal Parliament building.

MU Gives Evidence on EU Touring to MPs on Select Committee

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee about touring in the EU, alongside musician Kate Nash and Hanna Madalska-Gayer at the Association of British Musicians (ABO).

Published: 03 February 2026

A model airplane, a small French flag and a passport and stamp all lying on a copy of the world map.

An Update on the ELO for Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

The new customs regulation for musicians taking merchandise to France will now not become mandatory until a later date in early 2026. The MU is seeking further clarification on how musicians will be affected.

Published: 14 January 2026

Pernambuco Bows to Remain on Appendix II

A proposal to move pernambuco to Appendix I, which would have effectively halted international trade in the wood used for professional string instrument bows, has been rejected after lobbying by the MU and partners, ensuring continued access for musicians and stronger species protections.

Published: 15 December 2025

Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

A close up of a woman sitting at a laptop with a passport on the table.

Big Mobility and Touring Survey: Help Remove Barriers for Touring Artists

Members who have experienced touring in the EU are encouraged to fill out PEARLE*’s Big Mobility and Touring Survey. The survey closes on 31 October 2025.

Published: 15 October 2025

Sign saying 'French customs' at an airport.

New French Customs Regulation Affects Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

A new French customs regulation means more hoops to jump through if you are taking merchandise to France in a van as part of your music work.

Published: 13 October 2025

Government Proposes New Charges for Musical Instrument Certificates

The MU warns proposed fees of up to £200 could place an unfair burden on musicians travelling with instruments containing endangered materials.

Published: 02 October 2025

A hand holding the new blue British passport.

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EES, an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping, is finally set to launch in October 2025. These changes will impact musicians crossing both UK and EU borders.

Published: 26 August 2025

Dave, Jon and Olga standing in a room in Parliament with MPs and Peers.

MU Meets Labour Movement for Europe to Discuss Next Steps for EU Touring

Last week the Union met with MPs and Peers to press for progress on EU touring barriers at a parliamentary roundtable.

Published: 25 July 2025

Annabella Coldrick, Naomi Pohl, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Dave Webster and Tom Kiehl smiling in front of a UK flag.

MU Meets with Minister to Push for Progress on Touring Post-Brexit

Earlier this week, the MU met with Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds to discuss last month’s EU-UK Summit and the next steps for touring artists.

Published: 11 June 2025

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

EU and UK flags flying in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace, London.

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

As over 500 UK and EU music organisations back an open letter to political leaders, MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on the growing industry pressure to fix post-Brexit touring barriers, ahead of key EU-UK talks.

Published: 14 May 2025

Double bass leaning against a wooden chair.

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

Although the absolute ban on musicians travelling with a double bass on TGV trains in France has been reversed, there are some restrictions members need to be aware of.

Published: 04 March 2025

Close up of a world map with a small German flag pinned into Germany.

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Metal shopping basket in front of an out of focus EU flag.

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The regulations come into force on 13 December 2024 and apply to goods which are being sold to consumers in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 06 December 2024

A hand stamping a passport at border control.

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed.

Published: 22 October 2024

Touring crates lined up outside on a cobbled street.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Although over half of surveyed musicians told us that touring the EU was no longer financially viable for them, we have been working with the new Labour Government to address the concerns raised, and are hopeful that the barriers can be addressed.

Published: 30 July 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

Exterior of Caird Hall in the city centre of Dundee, Scotland.

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

This week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress with MU Delegates Christine Cooper and Ben Lunn, who discussed the importance of music education, community arts in Scotland and establishing a Music Expo Office for the country. All three of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 18 April 2024

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on O and P visas and the interview waiver programme for those working in the United States.

Published: 22 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

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

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New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now

MU Takes Union Solidarity to the 103rd American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Convention

MU Welcomes Provisional EU Agreement for Musical Instruments on Planes

MU Well-Represented at European Movement Roundtable and Report Launch

MU General Secretary Discusses Music Education Funding with Chancellor

Call for Artists: Help UK Access EU Funding Through Creative Europe Programme

France Confirms ELO Requirement from April 2026 But Uncertainty Remains for Musicians

MU Joins Policymakers in Brussels to Discuss UK–EU Cultural Exchange

New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force

MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme

Musical Instrument Certificates to Remain Free of Charge

MU Welcomes EU Visa Policy Strategy Paper

MU Gives Evidence on EU Touring to MPs on Select Committee

An Update on the ELO for Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

Pernambuco Bows to Remain on Appendix II

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

Big Mobility and Touring Survey: Help Remove Barriers for Touring Artists

New French Customs Regulation Affects Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

Government Proposes New Charges for Musical Instrument Certificates

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

MU Meets Labour Movement for Europe to Discuss Next Steps for EU Touring

MU Meets with Minister to Push for Progress on Touring Post-Brexit

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

2023 End of Year Round Up

Funding Round Opens for Music Export Growth Scheme

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

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

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