27-03-2026
Brussels, 27 March 2026
European and UK political leaders joined forces to remove the barriers facing live performance organisations and artists touring the EU and UK.
At the launch of the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC) in Brussels on 24 March, European and UK leaders heard firsthand testimonies to the benefits of cultural exchange and cooperation. The discussions also highlighted the challenges faced by cultural professionals, from missed opportunities to the administrative burdens created by new cross-border regulations.
The CEC’s inaugural events took place in the European Parliament, co-hosted by MEP Hannes Heide and MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski, and concluded with an evening reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Brussels, which welcomed MEP Laurence Farreng. Both events were attended by MEPs from across the political spectrum, UK government officials, EU Commission representatives, members of the House of Lords, artists and creative organisations from both the UK and across the EU.
The European Parliament event welcomed, in particular, UK Minister Ian Murray and Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport at the European Commission, Georg Haeusler.
Culture Minister Ian Murray promised the "full commitment" of the UK government to support travel and cultural exchanges between the UK and the EU and affirmed there was “very much a will to try and find a way through this” and to tear down obstacles to cross-border activities in the performing arts sector.
Georg Haeusler underlined how the live performance sector is being held back by administrative burdens, which in turn negatively affect Europe's competitiveness. To allow cultural exchange to flourish between the EU and the UK, he highlighted the need for practical solutions.
The European Parliament hosted the “The importance of cultural exchange between the EU & UK” panel discussion co-chaired by Anita Debaere (Pearle*-Live Performance Europe) and Dave Webster, (Musician’s Union UK), which featured the panellists Lies Martens, Rosas Dance Company (Belgium), Suzanne Walker, Sadlers Wells Theatre (UK), Johannes Everke, BDKV (Germany), Joe Pointing, AdLib Audio / PLASA (UK), Davinia Galea, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, (Malta) and Peredur ap Gywnedd – Musician with Pendulum, Musicians’ Union / Carry On Touring (UK).
Hosting MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski said: “Culture has always been one of the strongest bridges between societies. This event will reflect on the importance of connections. I am very happy that the UK will be part of Erasmus + from 1st January next year. I hope we can achieve the same with the Creative Europe programme.”
Hosting MEP Hannes Heide said: “What we must not forget is that every solution is not only for the guitar player or the drummer on stage. It is also about technicians, engineers, truckers, nightliner drivers, and merchandisers. So, it shows the whole ecosystem and how many people are contributing and are part of it.”
Anita Debaere, CEC Co-Chair and Director of Pearle*-Live Performance Europe, said: “Meeting colleagues from across the EU and the UK was a powerful reminder of the value of cultural exchange. We look forward to continuing a dialogue on cultural relations between the EU and the UK.”
Dave Webster, CEC Co-Chair and Head of International at the Musicians’ Union, said: “It was a pleasure to co-chair the CEC event at the European Parliament. The representatives from the EU and the UK delivered personal insights into the issues they face when touring, which separately and in combination set out the opportunities within reach if we can make progress.”
UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “The Cultural Exchange Coalition has come together from across Europe, and on the back of an outstanding launch in Brussels, it has real momentum to win the hearts and minds to deliver on its mission. I urge the Government and Commission to build on this positive moment and strengthen the Common Understanding between the UK and EU on cultural exchange and touring artists.”
During the evening event at the British Ambassadors’ Residence, attendees were treated to a special performance by Imogen and the Knife, fresh from her stand-out UK tour supporting The Last Dinner Party.
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The Musicians’ Union is a globally respected organisation which represents over 36,000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business. As well as negotiating on behalf of musicians with all the major employers in the industry, the MU offers a range of services tailored for the self-employed by providing assistance for professional and student musicians of all ages.