After the first ever grassroots Forum on EU:UK Cultural relations on 18 October in Brussels, another organisation called the Cultural Exchange Coalition has been set up with a more precise focus on the freedom of movement of artists and performers. The CEC brings together artists, organisations, and politicians from both sides of the Channel to help improve the situation for musicians, artists and performers who face so many practical obstacles to touring post Brexit.
In March 2026 UK Culture Minister Ian Murray promised the “full commitment” of the Westminster government to breaking down barriers for artists touring the EU and UK.
The promise was made at the launch event of the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC) between the UK and EU in the European Parliament.
Following Brexit, restrictions on travel and the associated extra costs have become prohibitive for touring artists, leading to a notable downturn in the movement of creatives and performers between the UK and EU. UK Music’s annual This Is Music survey found that 32% of music creators reported having been affected by Brexit, up 4% since 2023, and of those a staggering 95% has seen a decrease in their earnings, up 8% since 2023. Meanwhile PRS for Music, who manage rights and royalties for music that is broadcast, performed, or downloaded, reported a 27% decline in claims from live performances at EU festivals and at events with capacity smaller than 5000.
At the CEC meeting in the European Parliament, after hearing from artists, performers and managers, Murray assured attendees from both the UK and EU that the government in London were aware “how difficult it is in terms of touring and how difficult it is in terms of costs” before reiterating that there is “full commitment” from the UK government to fulfil the agreements reached at the UK-EU Summit last year and make travel for artists “as seamless as possible”.
Chief executive of UK Music, Tom Kiehl, commented that “there is a rich tradition of creative collaboration between the UK and across the EU. This has boosted local economies, increased tourism, supported supply chains, as well as enabled the cultural sectors from across the continent of Europe to mentor, train, access talent and benefit from knowledge exchange. The result has been to collectively scale up and strengthen our shared competitiveness, soft power and global influence.”
However, while Mr Kiehl welcomed the launch of the CEC, he noted that “the current deal is not the best that we can do” and urged “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”.
UKCCD Chair Carole Tongue asked Minister Ian Murray MP when the UK would re -join the EU Creative Europe programme to enhance cultural partnerships and audio-visual support between the EU and UK. The Minister was non-committal. The Forum on EU:UK Cultural relations, the CEC and the European Movement are set to continue the campaign for UK membership of this important programme.
Precisely what will result from this first meeting of the CEC remains to be seen. However, it is clear that there is ample political will on both sides of the Channel to cut through the red tape left by Brexit and reinvigorate the cultural exchange between the UK and EU that has benefitted us all for decades.