This article, which was featured in the WIN Annual Report 2025-26, highlights the key aspects of WIN’s collaboration with its European member IMPALA as part of its EU-funded network programme. You can also read the featured interview with IMPALA’s Executive Chair Helen Smith here.

WIN continued its partnership with IMPALA under its EU co-funded network programme, strengthening cross-border cooperation between the global and European independent music sectors. WINHUB served as one of the vectors of this partnership. Two joint online events connected European professionals with their counterparts from other regions: one bringing together French-speaking associations from Europe and Canada, and another connecting professionals from Central and Eastern Europe with North America.

WINCON in Sofia also benefited from this collaboration, with the EU co-funding the event. IMPALA CEO Helen Smith presented A Postcard from Europe at WIN’s AGM and IMPALA representatives contributed to sessions on funding strategies for trade associations, AI licensing, and streaming challenges, highlighting the relevance of European perspectives for the wider global network.

The year also saw IMPALA’s network grow with two newly formed trade associations – SPILNA in Ukraine and HERMES in Greece, both supported by IMPALA’s new capacity-building scheme for emerging national associations in Europe.

Non-European trade associations continue to receive resources provided by IMPALA and its trade association members and disseminated by WIN, including Dan Fowler’s landmark report Powering an Independent and Culturally Diverse European Music Ecosystem. WIN also made its executive summary available in five additional languages. Further resources included Strategic Primers developed with Music Ally on key platforms, Digital Forward webinars and reports on digital marketing, and One Step Ahead reports developed with CMU.

This year, WIN has also been promoting IMPALA’s 25th anniversary projects with the theme #WhyIndependentsMatter, including the series of interviews “Faces of the Independent Sector” and other features such as special edition awards, reports, and more.

25ThingsToKnow sets out IMPALA’s achievements over the years. IMPALA’s model promotes collective intelligence and collaboration across different countries and regions to create added value and lead reform, not just in the independent sector but across the whole music ecosystem.

IMPALA continues to play a leading role in policy and advocacy as well as commercial issues in Europe and globally, engaging policymakers and the industry on discoverability, AI licensing, streaming remuneration, and fair market access. Its new Digital Music Plan and industrial policy for culture framework, stand out as models to inspire businesses, independent associations, and policymakers worldwide. Through close collaboration across WIN’s working groups, these efforts are amplified and shared across the global independent network. IMPALA’s efforts on equity, diversity, and inclusion through the Changemaker Awards and a newly developed EDI toolkit, and on sustainability through the landmark Carbon Calculator, including a US pilot, set standards that resonate well beyond Europe.

Rory Brown, IMPALA PR and Projects Coordinator commented: “We’re excited to continue our network programme; WINHUB and WINCON bid a valuable part of our global collaboration work. By supporting cross-border cooperation and new partnerships, we help strengthen the sector’s diversity and competitiveness, ensuring independent businesses can thrive in a global market. WINHUB is a great opportunity for European and international music businesses alike.”