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British musicians say they are losing out on gigs and jobs in Europe since Brexit
euronews (in English)
Follow
29/08/2023
They say increased bureaucracy and costs leave them out of pocket.
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News
Transcript
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00:00
At home in Berlin, Simon Valfisch is a professional British opera singer.
00:10
He took the decision to relocate to Germany with his family to overcome what he sees as
00:17
the barriers to musicians brought about by Brexit.
00:21
What used to be possible, get the call on the Friday, turn up on the Monday, start working
00:25
in another EU country is now simply not possible and that is infuriating and totally pointless.
00:35
For British musicians, the cost of arranging visas, work permits and additional travel
00:39
expenses has surged.
00:41
Schengen visa limitations also restrict professionals to just 90 days in a 180-day period within
00:48
the EU.
00:49
The UK-EU trade agreement also lacks provisions for short-term travel for freelance creative
00:55
professionals.
00:56
What we've done is shot ourselves in the foot completely.
01:01
Simon who continues to perform across Europe sees himself as one of the lucky ones able
01:06
to take advantage of his grandmother's German heritage.
01:11
Anita Laska Valfisch, a German-born Jewish Auschwitz survivor, understands and supports
01:17
her grandson's decision to take up German citizenship.
01:20
He is a real European and of course these stupid Brexit people didn't give it thought
01:26
for anything.
01:27
As far as we are concerned, this is a total practical decision.
01:31
German, English, European.
01:35
Here at the Royal Albert Hall, the impact of Brexit on the music industry is reverberating.
01:39
A recent survey by the Independent Society of Musicians found UK musicians are grappling
01:45
with dwindling opportunities within the EU.
01:48
Half of them report a decline in European-based opportunities since Brexit and a quarter are
01:53
left with no engagements at all inside the European Union.
01:57
Sean Patel was too young to vote in the Brexit referendum.
02:01
A baritone singer recently recruited to work at a Danish opera house only for the opportunity
02:06
to fall apart due to visa complications.
02:09
They were completely honest.
02:10
They said because of Brexit, because of my situation as a British citizen, it's going
02:16
to be more difficult for me to be able to come over.
02:19
I was their first choice but unfortunately just couldn't get it in time.
02:24
Sean is now going through the process of applying for an EU passport through his Irish heritage.
02:30
But British musicians who don't have that option are now calling for a bespoke visa
02:35
waiver agreement with the EU to be allowed to continue to play on in Europe.
02:40
Luke Hanrahan, Euronews, London.
02:42
(roaring)
02:44
[SWOOSH]
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