EU Stands Firm on Post-Brexit Rules for UK Touring Musicians

Brussels has made it clear that it does not plan to ease the restrictions on UK touring musicians that were imposed following the UK’s exit from the European Union under the Brexit Act.

Despite promises from both sides to improve relations, negotiations regarding the relaxation of post-Brexit rules on touring artists, a priority for the UK government, appear to be stalled.

According to sources cited by the Financial Times, any such changes would require fundamental amendments to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). These changes, the report notes, are unlikely as the EU is “not prepared to consider” modifications to rules on customs, services, and other areas impacting musicians.

UK musicians have long urged the government to negotiate agreements with the EU that would ease travel for performers. Under the current post-Brexit regulations, artists wishing to perform in EU member states must secure visas and transport permits for their equipment. This has significantly increased the costs and logistical challenges for those touring the 27 EU countries.

A study conducted by the Musicians' Union revealed the impact of these restrictions, with 50 per cent of UK musicians stating that touring the EU “is not financially viable” after Brexit.

Meanwhile, one Reddit user weighed in on the issue, suggesting a different focus for UK-EU negotiations. "You know what I would find much more important than Oasis touring the EU? A Youth mobility scheme. That is a way of depending on ties between the EU and the UK for generations to come, Keir. It enshrines common experiences in the memories of generations, Keir," the user said.

The youth mobility scheme has been a point of contention between the EU and the UK, with both parties pursuing their own interests in the ongoing negotiations. While the UK is focused on lifting the restrictions for touring musicians, the EU is advocating for a youth mobility scheme. Such a scheme would allow young people from both the UK and the EU to travel, study, and work freely between the two regions.

A source previously told The Times that the UK was considering approving a reciprocal mobility scheme for young people from the EU. However, UK ministers were quick to deny any such consideration. “We are not considering it, there are no plans for this, or any work being done on it. Our negotiating team has very clear red lines, and none of the preparatory work involves this,” a government spokesperson confirmed.

In April, the EU formally proposed starting negotiations with the UK for a youth mobility scheme. Although the proposal would be beneficial to both parties, it faced opposition from both the Conservative and Labour parties.

As it stands, the UK government’s efforts to ease touring restrictions for its musicians remain in limbo, with the EU unwilling to consider changes, and both sides locked in a broader debate over youth mobility.

By fLEXI tEAM