23.09.2024: UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl and LIVE CEO Jon Collins represented the UK music sector as part of the UK Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) delegation at its latest joint meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels on 19-20 September.

Formed as part of the post-Brexit Trade Cooperation Agreement (TCA), the DAG is a consultative body which enables the UK government to hear from the sectors most affected by the UK’s decision to leave the EU. An equivalent DAG exists for EU institutions and those organisations that operate across member states.

Brexit has caused a number of challenges to the music industry, including increased costs and bureaucracy due to new requirements for visas, work permits and carnets for touring UK artists, and navigating complex cabotage requirements for accompanying trucks and hauliers that support tours.

At the latest joint meeting between the UK and EU DAG’s a new statement was agreed by both delegations. Contained within the statement was a number of important recommendations for the music industry, including the need for flexibility for artists and associated technical support staff to be able to travel visa free for more than 90 in 180 days and exemptions under carnet requirements.

Exemptions from cabotage requirements for stage, sound, lighting and instruments that facilitate a performance were also sought. The statement also advocated the rejoining of the Creative Europe scheme to support cultural exchange.

While in Brussels and alongside the DAG, Tom and Jon also participated in a meeting of the Civil Society Forum (CSF). Also established by the UK-EU TCA, the CSF brings together UK and EU stakeholders to jointly advise both parties on the implementation of the TCA.

Again, concerns around musicians touring were discussed as part of debates around mobility and trade in services at the CSF.

Representing the UK Government as part of this discussion, Harriet Spivey (Senior Policy Adviser EU Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) highlighted the new UK governments acknowledgment that musicians face a particular set of issues, and the need for a two way exchange.

Responding for the EU side however, Ignacio Iruarrizaga Diez questioned why the mobility needs of musicians was greater than that of professions such as plumbers. This comment underlines the challenges ahead of reaching a solution on these issues between the EU and UK.