Universal Music Publishing Group

Universal Music Publishing Group

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is one of the world’s leading music publishing companies, representing an extensive catalog of songs and songwriters across genres and generations. As a subsidiary of Universal Music Group (UMG), UMPG operates at the heart of the global music industry, facilitating the creation, distribution, and protection of music works internationally. In the European Union, UMPG’s lobbying activities focus on advocating for copyright protection, fair remuneration for creators, and the development of a regulatory environment that supports the creative and entertainment sectors.

UMPG’s engagement with EU institutions is driven by the need to address evolving challenges in the digital age, such as the implementation of the EU Copyright Directive, the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and the AI Act. The group actively participates in consultations, policy discussions, and high-level meetings with EU officials to ensure that the interests of music creators and publishers are represented. Its lobbying efforts are also aimed at combating copyright infringement, supporting collective rights management, and fostering a competitive yet fair marketplace for music.

Networking is a cornerstone of UMPG’s lobbying strategy, as the company collaborates with a wide range of trade associations, collecting societies, and industry groups across Europe and beyond. These affiliations enable UMPG to contribute to broader industry positions and amplify its voice on critical regulatory matters.

Financial transparency is maintained through annual disclosures in the EU Transparency Register, detailing lobbying expenditures and the number of accredited lobbyists. UMPG’s activities are guided by ethical standards and a commitment to transparency, as required by EU regulations. Since its registration, UMPG has consistently engaged with EU policymakers, participating in numerous meetings to discuss issues central to the music sector’s future in Europe.

  • EU Transparency Register ID: 530216615544-40

  • First registered: 14 January 2015

  • Head office address: ‘s-Gravelandseweg 80, Hilversum 1217EW, Netherlands

  • Main interests: Copyright law, digital markets, AI regulation, collective rights management, music industry competitiveness

No related lobbyists found.

  • Companies & Groups

UMPG and its parent UMG are affiliated with and network with the following organizations:

  • International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)

  • British Phonographic Industry (BPI)

  • Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), UK

  • SCPP, France

  • International Confederation of Music Publishers

  • International Music Publishers Association

  • Music Publishers Association (UK)

  • PRS for Music (UK)

  • Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

  • National Music Publishers Association (NMPA)

  • SoundExchange

These affiliations facilitate collective action on copyright, licensing, and industry standards at both the European and international levels.

Lobbying Costs by Year (since EU registration)

Year Lobbying Costs (EUR)
2023 200,000 – 299,999
2022 200,000 – 299,999
2021 200,000 – 299,999
2020 200,000 – 299,999
2019 200,000 – 299,999
2018 200,000 – 299,999
2017 200,000 – 299,999
2016 200,000 – 299,999
2015 200,000 – 299,999

Note: These are declared ranges per year as reported in the EU Transparency Register. No major contributions or intermediaries declared.

  • No declared membership in formal EU Commission or Parliament groups.

  • No specific communication activities or other declared activities beyond standard lobbying.

UMPG/UMG has participated in at least 36 high-level meetings with EU Commissioners, cabinet members, and Directors-General since its registration. Key topics and dates include:

  • 12 May 2023: AI Act, copyright (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager)

  • 07 Jun 2018: Copyright and Platforms (Cabinet of Commissioner Mariya Gabriel)

  • 15 May 2017: Digital Single Market, copyright (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

  • 23 Feb 2017: Digital Single Market (Cabinet of President Jean-Claude Juncker)

  • 19 Sep 2016: Copyright, music industry challenges (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

  • 10 Jun 2016: Copyright – Digital Single Market (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

  • 08 Jun 2016: Public performance and broadcasting (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

  • 10 May 2016: Copyright (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

  • 10 Dec 2015: Digital Single Market, Copyright, Creative Industries (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

  • Other meetings: Frequent engagements on copyright, digital single market, and related topics with various EU officials from 2015 through 2025.

Note: The above is a selection; the full list comprises at least 36 meetings as per the EU Transparency Register. Some meetings may appear in duplicate due to Commission data updates.