Universal Music Group International

Universal Music Group International (UMG) is a leading global recorded music business and music publisher, with a strong presence in over 60 countries and operations covering nearly 200 markets. Since its registration in the EU Transparency Register on January 14, 2015, UMG has actively engaged in lobbying activities primarily focused on policies impacting copyright law and the broader entertainment industry. The company’s lobbying efforts target key EU legislative files such as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the implementation of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and copyright enforcement measures.

UMG’s lobbying strategy reflects its core mission to discover, develop, and promote music creators and recording artists across a wide range of formats and platforms. The firm works to influence EU policies that affect intellectual property rights, digital market regulations, and the evolving landscape of music distribution and consumption. UMG’s advocacy is supported by its membership in various international and national trade associations, including the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), British Phonographic Industry (BPI), and producer collecting societies like Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) in the UK and SCPP in France. It also collaborates with music publishing organizations such as the International Confederation of Music Publishers and PRS for Music.

Financially, UMG’s lobbying expenditures in the EU have ranged between €200,000 and €299,999 for the year 2023, with a full-time equivalent (FTE) lobbying staff of 1.5 spread across six individuals, two of whom hold European Parliament accreditation. The company has participated in 36 high-level meetings with the European Commission, underscoring its active engagement in EU policymaking processes.

UMG’s headquarters and EU office are located at ’s-Gravelandseweg 80, Hilversum, Netherlands. The company’s lobbying profile emphasizes transparency and adherence to the EU’s code of conduct for interest representatives, ensuring balanced representation and accountability in its interactions with EU institutions.

Name: Universal Music Group NV (UMG)
EU Transparency Register ID: 530216615544-40
First Registered: 14 January 2015
Head Office: ’s-Gravelandseweg 80, Hilversum 1217EW, Netherlands
EU Office: Same as head office
Core Activities: Recorded music business and music publishing, artist development, copyright advocacy
Main EU Policy Areas: EU AI Act, Copyright Directive implementation, Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, Copyright enforcement
Lobbying Costs (2023): €200,000 – €299,999
Lobbyists (FTE): 1.5 (6 individuals)
EP Accredited Lobbyists: 2
High-level Commission Meetings: 36

No related lobbyists found.

UMG is affiliated with several key industry organizations that support its lobbying efforts:

International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) – international trade association
British Phonographic Industry (BPI) – UK national trade association
Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) – UK producer collecting society
Société Civile des Producteurs Phonographiques (SCPP) – France producer collecting society
International Confederation of Music Publishers
International Music Publishers Association
Music Publishers Association (UK)
PRS for Music (UK)

In the United States, UMG is a member of:

Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
National Music Publishers Association (NMPA)
Sound Exchange

No additional member organizations are declared in the EU Transparency Register.

2023: €200,000 – €299,999
Detailed financial data for previous years is not publicly available in the EU Transparency Register, but the 2023 figure indicates consistent lobbying investment.

UMG interacts primarily with the European Commission and the European Parliament, focusing on legislative files related to copyright, digital markets, and AI regulation. The company has engaged in 36 high-level meetings with the European Commission, demonstrating a proactive approach to influencing EU policy.

Since its registration in 2015, UMG has conducted 36 high-level meetings with the European Commission up to mid-2025. Details of individual meetings, including dates and participants, are not publicly disclosed in the available data.