The European Music Council: Strengthening the Music Sector Across Europe
Aftermovie of the European Forum on Music 2024. © Johan Virt
As an active member of the European Music Council (EMC), Alliance Musicale Luxembourg is part of a pan-European network that promotes and supports all areas of music — from education and creation to performance, participation, and heritage. Founded in 1972 as the European branch of the International Music Council (IMC), the EMC is dedicated to strengthening the music sector by fostering advocacy, capacity building, and international collaboration. Through our membership, we ensure that the voices of our musicians, ensembles, and cultural institutions are represented at the European level.
The EMC plays a key role in shaping the European Agenda for Music, an initiative that unites music sector stakeholders to advocate for the recognition of music as a vital part of culture and society. The EMC works closely with the IMC to promote the Five Music Rights, ensuring that everyone has access to musical expression, education, and participation. It also engages in cultural policy discussions, including funding structures for the music sector, sustainable development, and new technologies shaping the industry.
Latest EMC Activities and Upcoming Events
At a recent EMC meeting, an overview of the network’s latest activities and events for 2025 was shared. These initiatives are shaping key discussions on cultural policy and sustainability in the European music sector:
Policy & Advocacy: On 5 February, the EMC hosted a Round Table for European music organisations in Brussels, focusing on cultural policy and the upcoming Culture Compass, a new EU framework expected to follow the European Agenda for Culture. EMC has set up working groups to gather input for the European Commission’s Stakeholder Consultation on 20 March. A follow-up online lounge on 31 March will allow EMC members to discuss the consultation’s outcomes.
Sustainability in Music: The EMC has once again achieved the SHIFT eco-certification, alongside fifteen other European cultural networks, recognizing its commitment to sustainable practices.
Music Moves Europe Initiative: EMC has submitted a project proposal for Green Beat Nexus, in collaboration with INOVA+, On the Move, The Green Room, and KEA European Affairs. This initiative aims to strengthen the music sector’s transition towards sustainability.
© 4KMediaStudioHungary
Exclusive Opportunities for Our Members
By being part of Alliance Musicale Luxembourg, you have access to the EMC’s extensive network and activities. This includes participation in policy discussions, networking events, and international projects. If you are interested in attending the European Forum on Music (EFM) on 11–12 June in Brussels, feel free to reach out to us!
Other upcoming EMC events include:
31 March – Online lounge discussing the European Commission’s Stakeholder Consultation on the Culture Compass.
7 April – Online lounge on the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and its impact on the music sector.
7 May – Music4Change dialogue sessions for selected EMC members.
26 June – EMC Annual Meeting (online), including board elections.
September – Workshop on sustainability at SHIP Music Festival, Šibenik, Croatia.
Stay Connected and Get Involved
The EMC also values contributions from its members, regularly featuring updates from organizations and individuals across Europe. If you have an upcoming project, a new initiative, or exciting news to share, we encourage you to let us know so that it can be highlighted within the EMC network.
For those looking for additional insights into the European music landscape, the EMC offers a Resource Library, featuring research, policy papers, and studies on music and culture. This continuously updated collection is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the music sector’s current developments.
To stay informed about EMC’s latest activities, we encourage you to subscribe to the EMC newsletter here: Subscribe to EMC Newsletter.
Why the EMC Matters for You
Being part of the EMC means staying connected to a dynamic and evolving European music community. It provides access to advocacy efforts, professional networks, funding opportunities, and international knowledge exchange. As a member of Alliance Musicale Luxembourg, you are already part of this network—so take advantage of the opportunities it offers!
To learn more about the EMC’s work and upcoming events, visit www.emc-imc.org or contact us directly. We look forward to seeing our members actively engaged in this vital European music network!
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Written by Tun van Beest (Coordinator at Alliance Musicale Luxembourg)