New European study calls for a fundamental rethink of music touring
VibeLab and Technopol's project Courts Circuits is set to launch its report on 9 June 2026 at Garage Noord in Amsterdam
The future of touring in electronic music is at a crossroads.
A new European study, EU Perspectives on Slow Touring in a Fast Paced Industry, argues that the current model of high-frequency, long-distance, and predominantly air-based touring is becoming increasingly unsustainable environmentally, economically, and socially.
At the same time, the research identifies practical and scalable alternatives, demonstrating how more coordinated, regionally connected, and low-carbon touring models can reduce environmental impact while supporting artist livelihoods, strengthening local music ecosystems, and improving long-term career sustainability.
Commissioned and published by Technopol and produced by VibeLab as part of the Courts Circuits initiative, the report is officially launching on 9 June 2026 at Garage Noord in Amsterdam, bringing together artists, promoters, venue operators, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to discuss the future of cultural mobility in Europe.
Drawing on expert interviews, focus groups across Europe, industry reports, and case studies, the study examines how “short circuits” as in coordinated, low-carbon touring routes built around regional collaboration and slower travel, could offer a viable alternative to today’s touring norms.
The findings suggest that sustainable touring is not merely an environmental necessity but also an opportunity to address growing challenges within the music industry, including artist burnout, financial precarity, venue consolidation, and increasing barriers to cultural exchange. Rather than promoting fewer opportunities, the study argues for better-connected, better-coordinated, and better-supported touring models that strengthen local scenes while maintaining international cultural exchange.
Eli Goldstein, Director of DJs4 Climate Action adds important dimension:
“If flying is unavoidable, the opportunity should extend to emerging marginalised artists who have fewer touring opportunities, not be concentrated further among the already advantaged.“
Candice Demirdjibashian, project manager in Technopol says:
“European electronic music scenes are facing increasing economic consolidation among a handful of private players, at the expense of a majority of artists and independent organizations already operating under precarious conditions. The Courts Circuits project explores alternative booking practices, seeking economically viable responses to the ecological challenges confronting the sector.”
Among the report’s key findings:
The electronic music sector already possesses many of the tools, networks, and motivated practitioners needed to support low-carbon touring.
Strategic routing and regional cooperation can reduce emissions while improving financial efficiency.
Independent venues play a crucial role as cultural infrastructure and require greater protection and support.
Sustainable touring policies must be designed with equity in mind, ensuring artists from regions with fewer opportunities are not disproportionately disadvantaged.
Governments, cultural institutions, and industry stakeholders all have a role to play in creating the conditions for systemic change.
The launch event will feature presentations from the research team, discussions with industry practitioners, and an opportunity to explore how the recommendations can be translated into concrete action across Europe.
The report forms part of the wider Courts Circuits initiative, which between 2025 and 2028 is testing new models for low-carbon touring, developing economic frameworks, training artists and professionals, and sharing best practices across the cultural sector.
You can access the full report here.
Launch Event Information
Report Launch: EU Perspectives on Slow Touring in a Fast Paced Industry
Date: 9 June 2026
Venue: Garage Noord, Amsterdam
Time: 18:00 - 00:00
Detailed schedule: Link
Part of the official launch event will also be a discussion with Duco Bossert from Garage Noord, Pauline Bourdon from Vision for Sustainable Events and Sophilia, Daan Stitger from Lab Vlieland and Into the Great Wide Open.
