Answer given by Mr Reynders on behalf of the European Commission

24.10.2023

The Commission is aware of the market dynamics related to music festivals in Europe and to the relevant value chain. The Commission is closely monitoring these sectors to ensure compliance with competition rules in all Member States.

If a transaction was to occur in the European live music sector, it would need to be notified to the Commission or Member States to the extent that this transaction amounts to a concentration, within the meaning of EU or national merger control rules, and meets the thresholds at EU or national level.

Such notification would enable the Commission or national competition authority to review the transaction and assess its potential impact on competition in the relevant markets.

Through its Music Moves Europe initiative[1], the Commission actively undertakes a range of initiatives and actions aimed at supporting the European music sector and at promoting its rich diversity and its competitiveness.

In 2022, the Commission issued a call for projects dedicated to sustaining music distribution, with a particular emphasis on live music and areas such as livestreaming, collaboration among music venues, and promoting music export.

• [1] https://culture.ec.europa.eu/cultural-and-creative-sectors/music/music-moves-europe