EUphoria 2026: Commissioner Micallef, MEP Rafowicz & music professionals talk future of European music

Commissioner Glenn Micallef & Della discuss music, artists mobility, and Europe

The event kicked off with conversation with European Commissioner Glenn Micallef and MME Award-winning artist Della. They engaged in an intimate conversation that explored topics ranging from their personal connection with music and its role in shaping Europe’s democratic future to the realities of being an emerging artist today.

Reflecting on the challenges of crossing borders with her music, Della described Liveurope as a “catalyst” and compared the experience of playing at a Liveurope venue to a “fair trade” label for the music industry, helping artists find new fans across the continent.

Commissioner Micallef highlighted music as the strongest form of communication we can ever have and stressed the importance of giving artists opportunities to have their voices heard. He also pointed to Liveurope and the Music Moves Europe Awards as key iniatives in “bringing European artists further to the front of the European landscape.”

Europe, turn up the volume!

The panel discussion “Europe, turn up the volume!” brought together music experts and MEP Emma Rafowicz (S&D, FR), rapporteur of the AgoraEU file in the CULT Committee of the European Parliament, to discuss what the EU can do to support a strong, diverse, and resilient music ecosystem in light of the next MFF. A central theme of the discussion was the need for a dedicated sectoral approach for music within AgoraEU, backed by a dedicated budget.

Addressing the multiple challenges of AI, market concentration, and economic pressure, Jess Partridge, executive director of EMMA, emphasised that the music sector often operates in the dark compared to other industries. A European Music Observatory would act as a centralised data hub, providing research and data necessary for well-informed policy solutions with a wide impact. 

Frank Kimenai, KEA’s senior consultant, specified that a "holistic approach" must look at the deeper issues affecting the people behind the music, moving away from just funding individual projects and toward creating a sustainable ecosystem. 

MEP Rafowicz also emphasised the responsibility of EU legislators and pushed the conversation toward stronger EU regulation, suggesting that a sectoral approach must be paired with stronger EU-level regulation to protect independent players and ensure diversity.

European music diversity on the AB Club

We wrapped up the evening with three captivating shows with up-and-coming European artists: Brussels’ own neo-classical folk artist ROZA, Cyprus’ artist Della's with dark, haunting dream-pop, and a dazzling finale of electronic folk and queer anthems by Irish sensation SexyTadhg.