Rhineland-Palatinate wants to relieve clubs of Gema fees from 2027

Rhineland-Palatinate wants to relieve volunteer associations of Gema fees from next year 2027.

Prime Minister Gordon Schnieder (CDU) announced this at the citizens' reception for volunteers in Mainz. Accordingly, the state plans to cover the costs for up to four events per club per year, as the State Chancellery announced.

The Society for Musical Performance and Mechanical Reproduction Rights (Gema) represents the rights of musicians as a state-recognized trustee. GEMA fees are always incurred when copyrighted music is used publicly - including at club festivals. Because this puts a financial burden on many clubs, several federal states have now concluded flat-rate agreements with Gema to cover the costs.

According to the State Chancellery, the reception honored committed people from sports clubs in Rhineland-Palatinate. Schnieder explained that volunteers take on responsibility, bring people together and strengthen social cohesion.