Recorded music revenues in the European Union (EU) reached €6.0 billion in 2025, a 5.1% year-on-year increase and 21.3% of the global total, according to Music in the EU 2026, a new annual report from IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry).
Published on 9 September 2026 in Brussels, the report examines the performance, impact and future of Europe’s music sector.
Market performance and investment
Nine of the world’s Top 20 recorded music markets are in the EU, together accounting for €5.1 billion in revenues. EU recorded music revenues grew by €293 million during 2025.
Record companies invested US$9.3 billion (€8.3 billion) globally in A&R (artists and repertoire) and marketing in 2025, according to the report.
Streaming and domestic repertoire
Streaming accounted for approximately 66% of European recorded music revenues in 2025. Paid music streaming subscriber penetration in the EU stood at 27%, compared with 54% in the US and 47% in the UK.
Domestic repertoire remained strong, with 53.5% of tracks appearing in a country’s year-end Top 10 chart performed by domestic artists.
Policy recommendations
The report sets out a roadmap for policymakers, urging effective implementation and enforcement of existing law, support for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) innovation including meaningful transparency measures, and continued ability for creators 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.”
Report launch and data
Music in the EU 2026 is being launched on 9 September 2026 at an event in Brussels bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the European music community.
- €6.0 billion: Recorded music revenues in the EU in 2025
- +5.1%: Recorded music revenue growth in the EU in 2025
- 21.3%: EU share of global recorded music revenues in 2025
- 9 of Top 20: Nine of the global Top 20 markets are in the EU, accounting for €5.1 billion of revenues
- +€293 million: EU recorded music revenue growth in 2025
The report is the third edition of IFPI’s EU-focused study and draws on data from the Global Music Report published in March. It includes proprietary data, insights from European music executives and policy recommendations.
