UK Culture Minister Ian Murray has pledged the “full commitment” of the government to remove barriers facing artists touring between the UK and the European Union.

He made the remarks in Brussels on Wednesday 24 March, 2026 at the inaugural event of the Cultural Exchange Coalition, a new group formed to strengthen collaboration across the UK and EU creative sectors.

The coalition, launched in December 2025, brings together organisations and individuals working across music, performance and the wider cultural industries.

Speaking at the European Parliament, Ian Murray warned that failing to address touring restrictions risks limiting opportunities for the next generation of artists.

Ian Murray said:

“There is a real political will both from the UK side and from the EU side to try and find some solutions to this because we have heard this is not just a UK issue, this is a European-wide issue.

“There’s very much a will to try and find a way through this and to do it as quickly as we possibly can.”

He said the rising cost and complexity of touring had become a serious concern for performers and the wider industry.

“We know how difficult it is in terms of touring and how difficult it is in terms of costs and the additional costs have become prohibitive.

“So, there’s a full commitment from our side in terms of the UK government to fulfil the commitment in the EU and UK Summit to fulfil the aspirations of the Cultural Compass and to make sure we can have all our artists whether it be UK artists in Europe or European artists in the UK as seamless as possible.

“Cultural exchange is hugely important not only for us to tell our own stories but also tell each other’s stories, to learn from each other.

“If we lose that, we’ll be much diminished particularly with the geopolitical situation at the moment.”

Industry leaders at the event highlighted the economic and cultural importance of touring, pointing to its role in supporting jobs, tourism and creative development.

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

“From the Eurovision Song Contest to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, there is a rich tradition of creative collaboration between the UK and across the EU.

“This has boosted local economies, increased tourism, supported supply chains, as well as enabled the cultural sectors from across the continent of Europe to mentor, train, access talent and benefit from knowledge exchange.

“While the UK may have left the EU it is still very much part of Europe, yet the current deal is not the best that we can do.”

The event brought together politicians, artists and organisations from across Europe, reflecting a shared push to improve access for performers and crews.

Speakers stressed that touring involves a wide network of workers beyond artists, including technicians, engineers and support staff.

The discussions come amid growing pressure on both sides to ease restrictions introduced after Brexit and ensure cultural exchange remains viable.

A new coalition has brought together voices from across the UK and EU to push for easier touring, as governments face growing pressure to reduce costs and barriers for artists and the wider creative sector.