The rapid technological advancements are transforming cultural and creative industries, affecting how music is created, shared, and experienced. Digital tools like AI-assisted composition software, virtual instruments, and advanced production platforms give artists new ways to experiment and push creative boundaries. Streaming services and social media have reshaped and democratized distribution, making it easier for musicians to reach global audiences. Meanwhile, immersive technologies such as virtual reality concerts and spatial audio are redefining live performance and listening experiences. Together, these innovations highlight both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for the future of music and its impact on society.

Music's power to promote territorial unity, social cohesion, and resilience across Europe can be transformative, going beyond the cultural domain. There is a clear need for creating a comprehensive framework for leveraging music's positive impacts across various fields, such as disaster response, crisis recovery, regional resilience, and cultural diplomacy. Can Europe position itself as a leader in human-centered cultural tech thanks to music and emerging technologies in music? What would it mean for the partnership between civil society and European institutions?

Programme

15.00 - 15.05 Welcome and introductory remarks

• Hélder SOUSA SILVA - MEP and member of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA)

15.05 - 15.25 Keynote address - "Music and AI: Is the problem solved?"

• François PACHET - Imagine All The People (former director of Spotify Research Lab and Sony Computer Science Lab)

15.25 - 16.00 Panel 1: Emerging music technologies and empowerment

Moderated by Dean VULETIC

• Dean VULETIC - Author of "Postwar Europe and the Eurovision song contest"
• Luca TURCHET - Coordinator of EIC-funded project "MUSMET", University of Trento

16.00 - 16.15 Q&A session

16.15 - 16.50 Panel 2: Harnessing transformative power of music in Europe

Moderated by Dean VULETIC

• Sneška QUAEDVLIEG - MIHAILOVIC - Secretary General of Europa Nostra
• Jorge CHAMINÉ - Ambassador for Peace and Justice for the United Nations' 17 "2030 NOW Goals"
• Georg HÄUSLER - Director for Culture, Creativity, and Sport, DG EAC, European Commission

16.50 - 17.10 Q&A session

17.10 - 17.15 Closing remarks

• Christian EHLER - MEP and chair of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA)

The event was held in English only, without interpretation.

The event was recorded. The link is published below.