EU Recorded Music Revenues Reach €6 Billion as European Music, Culture and Innovation Continue to Excel

Recorded music revenues in the European Union reached €6 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’, the annual report by IRMA’s umbrella group, the IFPI. It examines the performance, impact and future of Europe’s music sector.

The report, which examines the performance, impact and future of Europe’s music sector, demonstrates how Europe’s music ecosystem combines 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. In Ireland, we see streaming revenues grow by 7.3%, well above the EU average.

Welcoming the report, Willie Kavanagh, Chairman of IRMA, said:

“There is much to celebrate in this report. Europe’s music sector continues to enrich our culture and contribute to our economies. In Ireland, we see a surge in artists achieving global success on the back of supportive local infrastructure. Ireland’s growth in streaming revenue is well above the EU average, and there has been a notable increase in Irish music fans gravitating towards homegrown acts.

“In a time of rapid technological change, it is important that EU institutions support creative industries through full implementation of existing protections and robust enforcement. Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU provides an opportunity to show real leadership in promoting the creative economy, by shoring up copyright protections, encouraging responsible AI use, and protecting music from piracy.”

The report also highlights the strength of domestic repertoire across Europe, with 53.5% of tracks appearing in a country’s year-end Top 10 chart performed by domestic artists. This dynamic has been particularly prevalent in Ireland.

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.

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 Artists and Repertoire and marketing in 2025, helping artists from across Europe build sustainable long-term careers and reach audiences around the world.

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 musicians can continue to exercise and benefit from their rights as creators.

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:

• €6.0 billion: Recorded music revenues in EU in 2025
• +5.1%: Recorded music revenue growth in EU in 2025
• 21.3%: EU’s share of global recorded music revenues in 2025
• 9 of Top 20: Nine of Global Top 20 markets are in the EU, accounting for €5.1 billion of revenues
• +€293 million: EU recorded music revenue growth in 2025