North Rhine-Westphalia to Cover GEMA Fees for Small Nonprofit Clubs Until 2027

The state government of North Rhine‑Westphalia (NRW) has concluded a flat‑rate agreement with the music rights organization GEMA that exempts qualifying nonprofit, charitable and church organisations from paying licensing fees for up to four free‑entry events per year. The exemption applies to events with a maximum area of 500 m² and runs from July 2026 through the end of 2027, funded by a €3 million allocation from the state budget. Clubs must register each event through GEMA’s online portal for the state to assume the costs. Exclusions include ticketed concerts, sport events and parades.

Local coverage in the town of Holzwickede notes that the new rule aims to ease financial pressure on small clubs, although only those meeting the specific criteria will benefit. The measure implements a Landtag resolution backed by the coalition’s Green and CDU factions and is intended to support volunteer‑run community activities such as summer festivals and anniversary celebrations.