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Performing Arts Employers Associations League Europe

PEARLE*

PEARLE*-Live Performance Europe represents over 13,000 music and performing arts organizations across Europe, advocating for the live performance sector in EU policy discussions.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – EU funding for cross-border education, training and solidarity, youth, media, culture, and creative sectors, values, and civil society

20 Nov 2025

Pearle* welcomes the initiative to shape a forward-looking Multiannual Financial Framework that recognises the essential contribution of culture, creativity, education, values, and civic participation to the European project. The proposal for AgoraEU represents an important step towards strengthening the role of culture and the cultural ecosystem in Europe. However, the current imbalance between the three strands and the persistent underfunding of cross-border cultural cooperation risk undermining the ambitions set out in the programme. Ensuring adequate, predictable, and proportionate funding for the Creative Europe Culture strand is essential to support artistic creation, mobility, skills development, and long-term cooperation structures. Meaningful synergies between culture and media should be reinforced under MEDIA+, while CERV+ would benefit from clear sector-specific priorities that fully acknowledge the role of culture in promoting democratic participation, social inclusion, and shared European values. With growing public support for cultural exchange and cultural participation across the Union, as evidenced by the latest Eurobarometer, the next MFF must match this ambition. By strengthening cooperation, improving access, and ensuring a more equitable allocation of resources across the cultural and creative sectors, the EU can deliver a programme that genuinely reflects the social, democratic, and economic value of culture for all Europeans. Pearle* stands ready to continue contributing to this process and to support the development of a robust and impactful framework for 20282034. Further comments in the document attached to this reply.
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Response to Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness

10 Nov 2025

Pearle*-Live Performance Europe is the European federation representing over 13,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts, and live event sectors. As a European employers association and a recognised partner in the European sectoral social dialogue, Pearle* welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness, as we recognise its relevance in the current European context characterised by major challenges such as demographic change, digitalisation, the green transition, and the evolving nature of work. These developments have a direct impact on the live performance ecosystem, influencing how cultural workers and organisations operate, and how audiences of different ages access and participate in culture. Ensuring fair opportunities for all generations to create, work, and engage in the arts is essential to maintaining the vitality and resilience of Europes cultural life. The Strategy can play a key role in integrating intergenerational considerations into EU policymaking and fostering a policy environment where artistic creation, access to culture, education, and employment in the cultural and creative sectors promote solidarity and contribute to intergenerational equity. Pearle* welcomes the Commissions ambition to develop a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness and emphasises the need to place culture at its core. As a cornerstone of Europes social fabric, culture fosters dialogue, inclusion, and solidarity between generations, contributing to mutual understanding and social cohesion. By fully recognising the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors, the Strategy can extend the concept of intergenerational fairness beyond employment and social protection to include equal access to culture, education, and participation in cultural life. Pearle* encourages the Commission to follow a coherent approach, ensuring that the Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness works hand in hand with broader EU initiatives such as the Culture Compass, the Quality Jobs Act, and AgoraEU. Together, these instruments can provide a strong policy and financial foundation for the cultural sector to continue empowering citizens of all generations, driving innovation, and contributing to a fair and inclusive future for Europe. Our full reply to this consultation is attached.
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Pearle Urges EU to Tackle Ticket Scalping and Piracy

24 Oct 2025
Topic — The European Commission is consulting on the Digital Fairness Act to protect consumers online.
Message — Pearle calls for EU-wide transparency requirements for online ticket sales and resales. They also want clearer rules on dynamic pricing and stronger enforcement against illegal streaming.12
Why — These regulations would protect the revenue of cultural organizations from illegal resellers.3
Impact — Professional ticket scalpers and illegal streaming platforms would lose their deceptive business models.4
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Live performance federation urges preservation of cultural aid exemptions

6 Oct 2025
Topic — Revision of rules exempting specific categories of state aid from prior Commission approval.
Message — The federation urges the Commission to preserve the existing cultural exemption framework. They request increasing funding thresholds starting in 2027 to reflect inflation.123
Why — It reduces administrative burdens and ensures the sector maintains access to vital public support.45
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Pearle* urges EU to harmonize rail rules for musical instruments

22 Sept 2025
Topic — Revision of EU rules on passenger rights for multi-leg rail journeys.
Message — Pearle* advocates for multi-leg journeys to be treated as through-tickets. They seek EU-wide standards and transparent policies for carrying musical instruments.12
Why — Harmonized rules would provide predictability and lower travel costs for touring artists.3
Impact — Railway companies would bear higher costs for sharing liability and assisting delayed passengers.4
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Live performance federation urges easier visas for touring artists

18 Sept 2025
Topic — The consultation gathers views on a new strategy for EU visa policy and migration.
Message — Pearle* urges for the facilitation of legal pathways for artistic workers and touring flexibility. They recommend aligning work permit exemptions and fast-tracking visas for EU-funded projects.123
Why — Standardized rules would lower administrative costs and ensure legal certainty for international productions.45
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Pearle Urges EU to Recognize Cultural Events in Tourism

12 Sept 2025
Topic — The EU is consulting on a strategy for sustainable and competitive tourism.
Message — Pearle wants the strategy to recognize concerts and festivals as essential tourism drivers. They advocate for better data collection and removing funding barriers for cultural activities. They also call for smooth visa processing for international artists and visitors.123
Why — This recognition would unlock new funding streams and improve the sector's global visibility.45
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Arts federation seeks simpler EU social security rules

8 Sept 2025
Topic — The EU is updating its action plan for social rights implementation.
Message — Pearle calls for social security exemptions for short-term postings and portability of rights for cross-border workers. They also demand training schemes that reflect the intermittent nature of work in the arts sector.12
Why — This approach would lower costs and administrative burdens for thousands of small enterprises.34
Impact — Public authorities could lose visibility of worker movements due to reduced enforcement measures.5
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Live performance sector urges better ticket transparency and piracy rules

29 Aug 2025
Topic — The EU is setting consumer policy priorities and enforcement actions for 2025 to 2030.
Message — The sector wants better enforcement of existing rules before adding new regulatory layers. They call for harmonized rules to ensure ticket transparency and combat unfair resale practices. They also demand immediate real-time removal of illegal live event streams to fight piracy.123
Why — Stronger rules would protect their revenues from ticket scalpers and illegal streaming sites.45
Impact — Illegal resellers and pirate sites lose their ability to profit from misleading offers.67
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Response to New EU Agenda for Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

8 Aug 2025

Pearle* - Live Performance Europe is the European federation regrouping through its members over 13,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts and live event sectors. We support the European Commissions objective to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism, to ensure the safety of the public and society. As representatives of the cultural sector, we want to highlight that cultural spaces are essential to democratic societies and social cohesion. However, they can also be perceived as vulnerable targets in an increasingly unpredictable threat landscape. We therefore welcome an integrated and risk-proportionate EU strategy that takes into account the specificities of the live performance sector and the vital role of cultural spaces in society. Pearle* takes note of the six pillars foreseen in the new agenda and endorses those objectives, as complementary and necessary for the EU and public authorities in respective member states to develop necessary measures. As a general principle Pearle* members highlight that the prime objective of cultural spaces is to provide a moment of well-being and joy to the people who attend a concert, performance or any other live event. This should take place in the best conditions of security and safety whilst not creating fear or a sphere of danger or threat. Finding the right balance is a main challenge. In this regard, observations are made to the following three pillars listed in the call for evidence, which are summarized below but further eloborated in the attached document. 1) Protection of Public Spaces and Critical Infrastructure Security requirements must remain proportionate to the risk and sensitive to the nature of cultural venues, avoiding excessive burdens or disproportionate costs that could threaten their operation or accessibility. 2) Radicalisation Prevention and Support for Vulnerable Groups We recommend that the upcoming toolbox focused on vulnerable groups include pathways for cultural engagement and arts-based education programmes that contribute to social inclusion and cohesion. EU funding streams should support such initiatives through relevant programmes. 3) Balanced Use of AI and Digital Tools We urge the Commission to engage in regular dialogue with cultural and civil society actors to ensure that the development of AI tools remains proportionate, transparent and accountable. To conclude, Pearle* welcomes the European Commissions commitment to enhancing security while upholding fundamental rights and freedoms. Nevertheless, we stress the importance of safeguarding cultural spaces without compromising their openness, accessibility or societal role.
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Response to Mid-term review of the Charter strategy

8 Jul 2025

Pearle*-Live Performance Europe is the European federation representing over 13,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts, and live event sectors. As a European employers' association, Pearle* takes part in the European sectoral social dialogue. Pearle* welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the midterm review of the Charter Strategy and to share the perspective of the live performance sector on the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union , in particular with respect to Article 13 (Freedom of the arts and sciences) and Article 11 (Freedom of expression and information). Pearle* acknowledges the critical need to continue safeguarding the rights and values enshrined in the Charter, and we continue to advocate for the recognition, promotion and protection of artistic freedom as a fundamental right and a pillar of European democratic life. Attached are our comments on the consultation.
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Live performance employers call for LGBTIQ-focused cultural funding

24 Jun 2025
Topic — The European Commission is renewing its strategy to advance LGBTIQ equality and inclusivity.
Message — Pearle* wants the European Commission to integrate LGBTIQ themes into public cultural programming. They also advocate for making LGBTIQ equality a prominent criterion for Creative Europe funding.12
Why — These changes would allow Pearle* to secure more resources to support LGBTIQ professionals.3
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Response to Anti-racism Strategy

24 Jun 2025

Pearle*- Live Performance Europe, representing over 13,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts, and live event sectors, supports the European Commission's initiative to combat racism through the development of the EU Anti-racism Strategy 2026-2030. As a European employers' association, Pearle* takes part in the European sectoral social dialogue. In general, Pearle* welcomes the consultation of social partners on the anti-racism strategy, whilst it underlines that it is necessary to include it in the broader objective of diversity and inclusion. It should therefore also align with existing policies such as on LGBTIQ, disability, and gender equality. Attached is our full contribution to this consultation.
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Pearle* Demands Binding EU Laws Against Live Content Piracy

4 Jun 2025
Topic — Evaluation of EU measures intended to stop unauthorized streaming of live events.
Message — The organization requests binding legislation that forces service providers to stop illegal streams immediately. They want 'expeditious removal' defined as action before the live event finishes.12
Why — Stronger rules would protect financial investments and ensure the sector's long-term economic viability.34
Impact — Criminal networks lose their primary source of income from illegal retransmissions of live events.56
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Pearle* demands culture be strategic focus of AI strategy

4 Jun 2025
Topic — The European Commission is consulting on a strategy to accelerate industrial AI adoption.
Message — Pearle* urges the Commission to include the cultural sector as a strategic focus to protect artistic creation. They want specific funding for smaller arts organizations and strict safeguards for intellectual property against generative AI.12
Why — This ensures the arts sector receives dedicated financial support and legal protection for creative works.3
Impact — AI developers may face stricter rules and higher costs regarding the use of creative content.4
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Response to European Democracy Shield

26 May 2025

Pearle*- Live Performance Europe is the European federation regrouping through its members over 13,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts and live event sectors. Pearle* welcomes the European Commissions initiative to strengthen the democratic fabric of the European Union through the forthcoming European Democracy Shield. The live performance sector, rooted in freedom of expression, critical thinking, and cultural diversity, plays a vital role in fostering democratic participation and societal resilience. Cultural spaces are meeting points for open dialogue, community engagement, and reflection. They help equip citizens with the tools to navigate complex societal developments and foster inclusion and cohesion in increasingly polarised societies. Pearle* recognises the urgent need to protect the EUs democratic institutions and values, particularly given the increasing challenges to democratic systems and the integrity of the public sphere. To complement this consultation, Pearle* has submitted a supporting document outlining in greater detail our views and recommendations on how the Democracy Shield can effectively integrate culture, artistic freedom, and inclusive participation across all relevant EU frameworks.
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Response to A Culture Compass for Europe

13 May 2025

Pearle*- Live Performance Europe is the European federation regrouping through its members over 13,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts and live event sectors. Pearle* has taken note of the Commissions invitation to a call for feedback on its plans to present a Culture Compass for Europe and a Joint Declaration of the EU Institutions. As a general principle, Pearle* strongly welcomes the Commissions initiative to develop the Culture Compass as a strategic framework for EU cultural policy. The need for a coherent, long-term cultural strategy that reflects the multiple dimensions of culture in European policymaking is timely and necessary. In this respect, it will also allow an alignment with the new priorities of the Council and the Commission, presented in 2024. The recent Eurostat figures show that the Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Sectors represent 27,4% of a total of 2.03 million cultural enterprises, which is the highest portion of cultural enterprises, whilst the added value they are able to generate is significantly lower than manufacturing-related cultural sectors. This observation alone shows that the live performance ecosystem requires targeted policy initiatives. We also welcome the Commissions recognition of a need for a more coherent and interconnected framework, supported by regular monitoring, data collection, and sustained stakeholder engagement. This process must remain ongoing. We have attached our comments in detail.
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Meeting with Laurence Farreng (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur for opinion)

8 Apr 2025 · Accord de Commerce et de Coopération avec le Royaume-Uni - problématiques du secteur culturel et des artistes

Meeting with Georg Haeusler (Director Education, Youth, Sport and Culture)

26 Mar 2025 · Exchange regarding ongoing issues

Meeting with Glenn Micallef (Commissioner) and

17 Mar 2025 · Introductory meeting

Performing arts groups urge keeping simplified culture procurement rules

7 Mar 2025
Topic — Evaluation of EU rules governing public procurement and concession contracts.
Message — They advocate for maintaining and increasing spending thresholds for cultural contracts. The group demands preserving sector-specific flexibilities and harmonizing simplified procedures.123
Why — This would reduce administrative costs and ensure procurement remains accessible for operators.4
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Meeting with Pierfrancesco Maran (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Feb 2025 · Dynamic Pricing and Live Ticket Sales

Live performance group urges EU to cut touring barriers

31 Jan 2025
Topic — The consultation seeks to remove regulatory barriers and promote cross-border services and goods.
Message — Pearle* requests harmonized social security rules, simplified administrative procedures for mobile workers, and the abolition of double taxation. They also demand better instrument transport regulations and stronger enforcement against ticket piracy.123
Why — Reducing bureaucracy and tax hurdles would lower operational costs for touring performing arts groups.4
Impact — Unregulated ticket resale platforms and digital pirates would face stricter enforcement and controls.5
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Response to Digitalisation of identity cards issued to EU citizens

17 Jan 2025

Pearle*- Live Performance Europe is the European federation regrouping through its members over 13,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts and live event sectors. Pearle* has taken note of the Commissions invitation to a call for feedback on its plans to present a proposal on the digitalisation of travel documents. As a general principle, Pearle* welcomes the European Commission's initiative to digitalise travel documents, particularly through the introduction of digital travel credentials based on identity cards. Facilitating smoother, faster, and more secure border crossings aligns with the broader goal of promoting mobility within the EU. The cultural and live performance sector relies heavily on the free movement of people within the EU. Simplifying travel for touring artists, technicians, and other professionals. It would also be beneficial to our audiences that are travelling to festivals and events abroad. In other words, Pearle* acknowledges that the initiative could potentially be of interest and use for different target groups. Comments While Pearle* supports digitalisation as a step forward in innovation and efficiency, we believe the following considerations must be taken into account to ensure the benefits of this initiative: Digital travel credentials must follow the highest standards of data protection as stipulated under the GDPR. Mechanisms to avoid misuse, fraud, or unauthorised access. The digitalized photo associated with an individual's ID should be strictly used for travel-related purposes only, ensuring privacy is upheld and limiting its use to its intended function. A safeguard for individuals using the system should be in place to prevent Member States from deactivating or revoking credentials arbitrarily, in order to limit free movement. The system must be inclusive and user-friendly, especially for those who may face challenges with digital technologies, including older individuals and those with limited access to digital resources. Adoption of digital travel credentials should always remain voluntary, ensuring that individuals can continue to rely on physical travel documents if they prefer, Individuals who opt out of using digital travel credentials must face minimal inconveniences, ensuring their rights and mobility are not affected regardless of their choice. Contingency plans should be in place to handle potential system failures. Reliable backup systems must be available to prevent travel disruptions in case of technical issues, cyberattacks, or outages. A close cooperation with transport carriers is essential for a successful integration of the system Conclusion In conclusion, Pearle* supports the proposals aim to modernise travel documentation and enhance mobility within the EU. We view the potential applications of digital travel credentials as a positive development, particularly in easing the process of registering with national authorities when relocating to another Member State, thus reducing administrative burdens, and potentially supporting access to electronic identification systems and services that rely on secure and reliable identification methods. Finally, the integration with the European Digital Identity Wallet is another positive aspect. However, safeguards related to data security, accessibility, and system reliability must remain a top priority to ensure the success and transparency of this initiative. We welcome the opportunity to participate in this consultation and support the proposed amendments. We look forward to ongoing collaboration to improve mobility for cultural professionals across the EU.
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Pearle* urges tailored renovation loans for cultural venues

5 Nov 2024
Topic — An EU initiative establishing a voluntary framework for banks to increase energy renovation lending.
Message — The organization calls for specialized financial products with flexible terms tailored to cultural institutions. They also advocate for combining private loans with public grants to prevent debt.12
Why — Specific financial products and subsidies would help cultural venues modernize without risking financial instability.3
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Response to Customs simplifications for musical instrument accessories

30 Oct 2024

Pearle* recognizes the proposed changes in the EU Customs Code as a welcome improvement to the current legislation. However, we would like to stress the importance of having the list of accessory instruments, apparatus or equipment referred to in the Combined Nomenclature continue to be regularly updated to reflect the evolving needs of the sector. At the same time the approach is to allow for broad interpretation, rather than becoming a restricted list. We also encourage ongoing updates and communication with customs authorities to ensure their control systems are aligned with the latest legislative changes. This would reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary delays or obstacles for travelers. Whilst not subject to this consultation, we like to flag the ongoing challenge with the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) certification requirements for certain musical instruments (MIC Musical Instrument Certificate). As customs checks and CITES controls operate under two separate systems, we would welcome the customs clearance on musical instruments with a CITES MIC to be waived in line with the general exemption under the UCC.
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Pearle* urges EU to protect musicians traveling with instruments

11 Mar 2024
Topic — The EU is reviewing passenger rights to improve resilience to travel disruptions.
Message — The federation calls for uniform rules allowing musicians to carry instruments in passenger cabins or specialized baggage areas. They request transparency on storage dimensions and prices for instruments on planes and trains.12
Why — Clearer rules would ensure touring musicians avoid last-minute cancellations due to unpredictable airline policies.34
Impact — Transport operators would lose the ability to set discretionary luggage policies for instruments.56
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Meeting with Anouk Faber (Cabinet of Commissioner Nicolas Schmit)

14 Feb 2024 · Meeting on the employment situation of artists and cultural professionals.

Response to European Disability Card

13 Nov 2023

Pearle*-Live Performance Europe welcomes in general the Commissions initiative to improve mobility for disabled persons. As part of the cultural sector, our members who are organisations and companies in the music, performing arts and live event sector, are committed to providing access to culture and to inclusion. As presented in our paper of 8 January in response to the call for evidence, in practice various issues may arise to achieve those objectives, including substantial costs, extra human resources, practical arrangements. From our reading of the proposal, as explained in recitals 12-14, in case of short-term mobility there is an important component of legal uncertainty for travelling people with a disability. Article 5 of the proposal aims to deal with this and aims to ensure: Equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment and to parking conditions and facilities for persons with disabilities. However, this article does not provide enough legal certainty for either the disabled person as for the service provider, such as in our case a theatre or other live performance organisation. On the contrary we think that in practice it may lead to uncertainties and expectations by the holders of a disability card coming from abroad from cultural service providers. For example, when an audio transcription is provided for a theatre performance in the local language there may arise expectations that the audio transcription is also available in another language (or more). We feel that article 5 does not sufficiently adresses situations where expectations from people with a disability cannot be fulfilled. An option to solve this issue is to add at the end of each paragraph a further clarification: 1. Member States shall take [...] with respect to the services, activities and facilities referred to in Article 2(1) and to the extent possible for service providers. 2. Member States shall take [...] to its holders of parking cards issued in that Member State and to the extent possible in relation to the physical space available. To conclude, a clearer formulation in the article is much necessary to provide the service providers in the cultural sector with legal certainty, which is also helpful for the holders of the cards.
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Response to Fighting against online piracy of live content

9 Feb 2023

Pearle*-Live Performance Europe is the European federation regrouping through its members over 10,000 organisations and companies in the music, performing arts and live event sector. We thank the European Commission for the opportunity to give our feedback on the call of evidence on the piracy of live content. Protecting cultural online live events from piracy means to create a secure environment for performing arts professionals and the organiser setting up the event. For this reason, we such as the sport sector need a clear and European-wide framework to protect the artists, music groups and event organisers from piracy. Piracy of live events means that money is taken out of the sector without any added value for the artists or the organiser it means benefitting from the creative work of others. We welcome the fact that the Commission aims to offer a toolbox to combat illegal streaming of live events. As signatory to the Call To Action to End Live Piracy Now, we would like to restate that an EU legislative instrument still remains the most efficient way to tackle piracy of live content within and across Member States. Piracy represents a real risk to the whole value chain of creative and cultural sectors, to consumers welfare and to the overall EU economy. Together with the Live Content Coalition, with regards to the Call for Evidence, we ask that the Recommendation be clear on three outcomes. Please read the full position paper attached for more information.
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Response to European Disability Card

8 Jan 2023

As a general principle Pearle* supports for all people to have access to culture, but underlines the need to be realistic about achieving those goals. For the live performance, regardless of the fact that as a general principle we acknowledge the importance for all people to be able to access culture, this can only be realised when it is accompanied by a targeted policy and related funding to deploy a wide range of services for people with disabilities. A European disability card could be a replacement of the EU parking card, with the same function, possibly extended to access of venues, whilst other non-binding EU legislative instruments could help to increase awareness and encourage member states to develop focused policies and investments in the area of culture. If the EU considers a European disability card with a wide scope, then there should be first priority given to a policy framework and related investment and funding. It requires careful consultation with the live performance sector to deal with the challenges to provide access to performances for people with disabilities. please read our paper attached
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Response to RoHS exemption for the use of mercury in other discharge lamps for special purposes

1 Jul 2021

The European Ecodesign-Coalition, representing artists, manufacturers and service providers in the theatre and entertainment technology sectors, appreciates the EU Commission’s efforts to reduce the use of hazardous substances in products brought into the European Market. We have been working together with Lighting Europe to achieve the best possible solutions for our small and specialist market of stage and studio lighting, or “entertainment lighting”. Regarding the current draft acts on RoHS, we thank the Commission for having taken into account our comments on technical characteristics and requirements of special purpose lamps in the entertainment sector. Please find attached our contribution to the public consultation. The signatories are: • Pearle* - Live Performance Europe • OETHG • PLASA • VPLT • ALD • SLF • IALD • ROBE • Robert Juliat • White Light Ltd The statement of the European Ecodesign-coalition is supported by the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, EFTA based in the United States.
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Meeting with Nicolas Schmit (Commissioner) and

12 Apr 2021 · Pact for skills roundtable with the creative cultural industries.

Meeting with Thierry Breton (Commissioner) and

12 Apr 2021 · Skills roundtable Cultural and Creative Ecosystem

Response to Digital Services Act: deepening the Internal Market and clarifying responsibilities for digital services

31 Mar 2021

Pearle* - Live Performance Europe welcomes the opportunity to give input to the draft Digital Services Act to be launched later this year. We share the Commission’s analysis that online services have deeply transformed the way we interact, communicate and do businesses. In this context, the live performance sector faces serious problems with a growing illicit online secondary ticketing. The secondary ticketing market was estimated worth €1.66bn in 2020, while in the same year, according to estimations of the EY study Rebuilding Europe , the performing arts in the EU lost 90% of their turnover, the music sector 76%. While event organisers are partnering up with online marketplaces for lawful secondary ticketing for live shows and other events, non-authorised platforms and online traders have created a parallel market on which they sell tickets for prices much higher than face-value to the detriment of consumers, artists and event organisers. Increasingly, the market also moves to social media networks using the names and the brand of renown concert halls to deceive consumers, advertise faked shows and sell faked tickets. In the attached paper, Pearle* gives its view about the scope of the text, the exemption from liability, the traceability of traders, the enforcement of rules and cooperation of national authorities. In order to fight online secondary ticketing platforms reselling tickets higher than face-value, clear EU legislation, an ambitious strategic and operational framework and stepped-up enforcement measures (including taking down websites) are needed. Secondary ticketing platforms often operate from a “safe haven” outside the EU on the European market. Pearle therefore welcomes the proposed changes to the e-commerce Directive and urges Member States authorities to step-up their cooperation to address unlawful practices related to cross-border secondary ticketing.
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Response to Wildlife trade – alignment of EU rules with recent decisions taken under the CITES convention and changes to EU ivory trade rules

9 Feb 2021

Please find attached the joint contribution of Pearle*-Live Performance Europe, FIM and CSFI on the draft EU ivory rules. We welcome the Commission’s decision regarding the preferential treatment of antique musical instruments as well as instruments containing legally acquired ivory, which also includes the making and restoring of instruments containing small parts of worked ivory. An exemption for the movement of musical instruments, covering both commercial and non-commercial travelling, is essential for musicians, orchestras and music groups, as it allows them to continue to use their instruments and accessories lawfully for live performances, displays and recordings.
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Response to Ecodesign omnibus amendment of 2019 regulations

3 Nov 2020

Please find attached the contribution of the European Entertainment Ecodesign Coalition on the proposed Commission amendments of regulation 2019/2020, Annex III.3 point 3 ii (w).
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Response to A New Consumer Agenda

11 Aug 2020

Please find attached the position paper of Pearle* - Live Performance Europe.
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Response to Review of ecodesign requirements for lighting products

6 Nov 2018

Introduction With the present document, Pearle* - Live Performance Europe states its position on the review of ecodesign requirements for lighting products. As the European sector and employers’ federation of music and performing arts organisations, Pearle* represents through its members associations the interests of more than 10,000 live performance organisations across Europe. This includes theatres, theatre production companies, bands and music ensembles, orchestras, opera houses, ballet, dance companies, festivals, concert venues, producers, promoters, agents, comedy, variété, circus, event suppliers and more. Pearle* is recognized by the European Commission as the only representative employers association to the European social dialogue for the sector ‘live performance’. Specific remarks on stage lighting Whilst we support the EU’s ambition to maximise energy savings in the wake of the Paris climate goals, we urge the Commission to carefully consider the specificities of the live performance sector, when designing the revision and implementation of new rules on ecodesign. This notably applies to lighting, a major subset of ecodesign regulations that heavily impacts the functioning of our sector. The review of the ecodesign regulation would remove the existing sector exemption for special purpose lights used in theatres, concert halls and live venues. Exemptions based on technical characteristics would instead be introduced, freeing a number of light sources used in the context of stage lighting. Regrettably, some key exemptions are missing, making performing arts associations concerned about the potential economic, technical and artistic impact the regulation would have on both small venues and bigger structures in the live performance sector. New rules on ecodesign would lead to increased costs for organisations in the live performance and affect the artistic design of a live events – and this without significant energy saving effects as stage lighting only counts for 5% of the overall energy consumption of a theatre. We would also like to underline that some technical requirements in the proposed regulation cannot be met. In addition, certain types of light sources which are used to a wide extent in theatres, concert halls and other live performance venues are not taken into consideration, even if there are currently no replacements on the market. The draft proposal on ecodesign includes principles stating that if there are no suitable replacements for certain lamp types on the market, or if higher energy efficiency alternatives are not cost-effective, exemptions should be foreseen. Both principles are not fully applied to light sources used for stage and studio lighting. Conclusion Pearle thus proposes targeted but essential amendments to the Commission draft revision on ecodesign requirements. These changes, aiming at recognising the specificities of our sector, are essential for the continued professional creation of stage lighting in the context of a live event: • Clear exemption from Standby Power mode and Networked Stand-by Power mode for stage and studio lighting • Exemption for White Light Sources for specific needs • Extension of the definition of “Green wavelength” for colour tuneable sources • Further exemptions for specific lamp bases used on stage and in studios We ask the European Commission to bear the unique position of the live performance sector in mind and to include the attached amendments when finalising the proposal for revision of ecodesign requirements.
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Meeting with David Boublil (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici) and International Federation of Actors

17 Oct 2017 · Meeting with representatives from Pearle and FIA to discuss cross-border obstacles regarding taxation of performing artists

Meeting with Szabolcs Horvath (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics) and International Federation of Actors and

17 Oct 2017 · Cross-border obstacles to taxation of performing artists

Response to Review of the Directive on the re-use of public sector information (Directive 2013/37/EU)

16 Oct 2017

This paper gives feedback on the initiative of the European Commission to review Directive 2003/98/EU on the re-use of public sector information. Pearle* members which represents the interests of both public and private entities in the European live performance sector, welcome the opportunity to give their input and address issues of concern related to the Commission action. Pearle* has followed regulatory initiatives on the re-use of public sector information throughout the last years and monitored the exemption for documents held by cultural establishments (PSI Directive Article 1.2 (f)). We endorse the Commission approach in this context and ask to maintain the exemption for cultural establishments in the live performance and music sector, such as archives, orchestras, operas, ballets and theatres in the event of a revision of Directive 2003/98/EU. The data live performance organisations collect would not contribute to the positive economic, environmental or societal effects described in the Commission roadmap and impact assessment paper. In case that relevant amendments to Directive 2003/98/EU could impact the live performance sector, Pearle* would highly appreciate to meet relevant Commission officials in a face to face meeting to discuss appropriate solutions and approaches for theatres, opera houses, orchestras, dance companies, festivals, music ensembles and groups and other performing arts organisations. PEARLE* - Live Performance Europe, is the European employers’ federation of music and performing arts organisations. Pearle* represents through its members associations the interests of more than 10,000 live performance organisations across Europe (such as theatres, theatre production companies, bands and music ensembles, orchestras, opera houses, ballet, dance companies, festivals, concert venues, producers, promoters, agents, comedy, variété, circus, event suppliers and others). The Live Performance sector is the biggest employer of the cultural industries with over 1,2 million employees.
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Meeting with Raquel Lucas (Cabinet of Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

18 Jul 2017 · Reflection paper on the Social Dimension

Meeting with Julie Fionda (Cabinet of Commissioner Marianne Thyssen)

18 Jul 2017 · Skills, Social dimension of Europe

Meeting with Alicja Magda Herbowska (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

18 Oct 2016 · Mainstreaming of culture

Meeting with Alicja Magda Herbowska (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics) and IETM international network for contemporary performing arts

15 Mar 2016 · Culture and the Arts in European policy-making

Meeting with Andrus Ansip (Vice-President) and

29 Feb 2016 · Spectrum, UHF band