More than a quarter of British musicians have lost all professional opportunities in the European Union since 2021, while nearly half have witnessed a decline in work across the bloc, according to a new report that highlights the continuing impact of post-Brexit regulations on the UK’s creative sector.
The study, conducted by European Movement UK, paints a concerning picture for artists who once relied heavily on European tours and performances for their livelihoods. It found that average earnings from tours have fallen by around 45% since the introduction of new travel and work restrictions following Britain’s departure from the European Union. Nearly six out of ten musicians surveyed said that touring in Europe is no longer financially viable.
Industry leaders say the findings underline the long-term consequences of Brexit on one of Britain’s most successful cultural exports. The music industry contributes billions of pounds annually to the UK economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. However, artists and touring crews now face a range of administrative and financial hurdles when attempting to work across European countries.
Unlike the pre-Brexit era, musicians must now navigate different visa and work permit requirements in individual EU member states. In addition, they are subject to the Schengen area’s 90-day rule, which limits the amount of time non-EU citizens can spend working and travelling across participating countries. These regulations have made organising multi-country tours more complicated and costly, particularly for emerging artists and smaller independent acts.
The report also points to additional expenses linked to transporting instruments and equipment. Temporary customs documentation, known as ATA carnets, can cost hundreds of pounds, while larger orchestras may face bills running into several thousand pounds for a single European tour. Restrictions on transport operators moving between multiple EU destinations have further increased logistical costs for touring productions.
Music industry representatives argue that these barriers are reducing cultural exchange between Britain and Europe. Venue operators have reported a decline in performances by European artists in the UK as well as fewer British acts touring overseas. The situation has led to cancelled tours, lost income and fewer opportunities for collaboration within the creative sector.
The report also highlights the loss of access to EU-funded cultural programmes that previously supported hundreds of British organisations through grants, co-productions and international partnerships. Smaller businesses and independent artists are said to have been particularly affected by the withdrawal of such funding opportunities.
While the UK and EU agreed in 2025 to encourage cultural exchange and mobility, industry leaders say practical obstacles remain largely unresolved. They are urging policymakers on both sides to simplify touring arrangements and reduce bureaucratic burdens in order to protect a sector that contributes significantly to employment, exports and Britain’s international cultural influence. Without meaningful reforms, the report warns, the country’s creative industries could continue to lose ground in one of their most important overseas markets.
