Germany is introducing a solidarity-based ticket levy called Club Euro, designed to direct funding to smaller live music venues through a nationwide coalition rather than a voluntary opt-in model.
Unlike voluntary programs in the UK and France, where some large promoters in the UK have chosen not to participate, Club Euro launches with a network of venues already committed. Germany’s Federal Foundation for Live Culture developed the initiative, with funding from music trade body Initiative Musik. Clubs, music venues, and event organizers can take part.
Under the program:
- Participating venues add €1 to each ticket, paid into a shared fund.
- Distributions are capacity-based, with smaller venues receiving larger shares.
- The program will be tested in several more active regions to measure effectiveness.
A recent study found that 61% of Berlin venues are breaking even, even with sustained audience demand. Last year, Germany introduced a voluntary levy system similar to the UK’s, called the Live Music Fund.
Felix Grädler, board member of the Federal Foundation for Live Culture and founder of the Live Music Fund, said:
“If venues in Berlin can no longer sustain themselves even with maximum demand, then the problem is not with the audience. The financing model for live culture is no longer viable.”
