IFPI launches ‘Music in the EU 2026’ report highlighting excellence of Europe’s music sector and calls for effective implementation of existing rules to support future growth~

Brussels, 9 September 2026 – Recorded music revenues in the European Union reached €6.0 billion in 2025, growing 5.1% year-on-year and accounting for 21.3% of global recorded music revenues, according to ‘Music in the EU 2026’, IFPI’s new annual report examining the performance, impact and future of Europe’s music sector.

The report demonstrates how Europe’s music ecosystem continues to combine cultural influence, technological innovation and economic growth. Nine of the world’s top 20 recorded music markets are located in the EU, together accounting for €5.1 billion in revenues, while EU recorded music revenues increased by €293 million during 2025.

This success is underpinned by sustained investment from record companies in discovering, developing and promoting new talent. Globally, record labels invested US$9.3 billion (€8.3 billion) in A&R and marketing in 2025, helping artists from across Europe build sustainable long-term careers and reach audiences around the world.

The report also highlights the strength of domestic repertoire across the continent, with 53.5% of tracks appearing in a country’s year-end Top 10 chart performed by domestic artists.

Streaming remains the key driver of growth across the region, accounting for approximately 66% of European recorded music revenues in 2025. At the same time, Europe remains a market with significant growth potential, with paid music streaming subscriber penetration in the EU standing at 27%, compared to 54% in the US and 47% in the UK.

Alongside examining the factors behind the sector’s success, the report sets out a roadmap for policymakers to help ensure Europe remains a world-leading environment for creativity, investment and innovation. It urges policymakers to focus on effective implementation and enforcement of existing law, support responsible AI innovation – including through meaningful transparency measures – and ensure creators can continue to exercise and benefit from their rights.

Victoria Oakley, Chief Executive of IFPI, said: „Europe remains one of the world’s great music success stories. The EU’s music sector is creating jobs, driving innovation, enriching culture and helping European artists reach audiences around the globe.

„That success is built on investment, innovation and a strong legal framework that recognises the value of creativity. As new technologies, including AI, continue to evolve, Europe has a real opportunity to demonstrate global leadership by ensuring its existing rules are implemented and enforced effectively.

„The framework is there. The priority now is making it work in practice so that music creators, innovators and fans can all benefit from a thriving music ecosystem.”

Music in the EU 2026 was launched at an event in Brussels bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the European music community to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector’s future.

Key findings from Music in the EU 2026

Notes

GLOBAL MUSIC REPORT 

Today, 9 September IFPI has publish the third edition of their flagship EU-focused report, Music in the EU. It draws on data from IFPI’s Global Music Report published in March this year.   Music in the EU provides an in-depth look at the EU’s music market, featuring IFPI’s proprietary data, as well as insights from leading European music executives and policy recommendations to support the continued growth and global success of Europe’s music industry.

The report is available here.