European Music Council (EMC)

The European Music Council (EMC) is a Regional Group of the International Music Council (IMC). Formed upon request of the Director General of UNESCO as the advisory body to the agency on music matters, it is the leading professional organisation in Europe dedicated to the development and the promotion of all kinds of music.

The EMC contributes to a better mutual understanding among peoples and their different cultures and to the right for all musical cultures to coexist. Therefore it provides exceptional value to its membership by building knowledge, creating networking opportunities, supporting and enhancing the visibility of initiatives that help sustain people’s participation in music and cultural life.

The objectives of the EMC are: (i) to promote all musical life and music education in Europe; (ii) to initiate and encourage dialogues on multilateral opportunities and challenges in European music life; (ii) to observe and to act upon the developments in the field of music on European and national levels; and (iv) to voice the European interests within the IMC and act as the specialist for European matters of the IMC

The goals of the EMC are: (i) to encourage closer and more effective co-operation between its members; (ii) to regularly communicate the developments on European level to its members; (iii) to support members’ activities with a European added value; (iv) to initiate and carry out European activities complementary to its membership; (v) to develop co-operation with other IMC Regional Groups and Secretariats; (vi) to encourage the mobility of artists; and (vii) to be an example for youth participation in decision making processes.