Creative Europe programme 2014-2020: European Union Youth Orchestra

The European Parliament adopted by 541 votes to 89, with 24 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 establishing the creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020).

As a reminder, the proposal aims to include a reference to the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) in Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 establishing the creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020) to support for the European cultural and creative sectors. 

The European Parliament’s position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure amended the Commission proposal as follows.

Members stated that the Culture Sub-programme shall provide support for costs related to the activities of the European Union Youth Orchestra that contribute to the mobility of musicians, the circulation of European works across borders and to the internationalisation of the careers of young musicians .

An amendments stressed that the EUYO is the only orchestra in the Union that recruits from all Member States. It provides regular training for young musicians through a residence programme and offers performance opportunities, thus reinforcing their international careers and developing their skills under the guidance of renowned conductors.

The contribution of the EUYO has been recognised by Member States and by Union institutions, including by successive Presidents of the Commission and of the European Parliament.

The amended text stipulated that the EUYO shall:

• continuously diversify its revenues by actively seeking financial support from sources other than Union funding in order to guarantee its sustainability and with a view to reducing its dependence on Union funding;
• ensure cost efficiency in its management;
• seek to increase its visibility, including in both traditional and digital media, and to perform at European events and across more Member States;
• increase awareness of annual auditions with a view to achieving a more balanced representation of musicians from all Member States within the orchestra;
• actively engage in audience development, paying particular attention to young people.

The EUYO should be able to benefit from support as soon as possible, in particular for costs incurred in 2018 prior to the entry into force of this Regulation. This Regulation should therefore apply retroactively from 1 January 2018.