Impala welcomes new Ukrainian trade association member

21 November 2025 - Press release

NEW CAPACITY-BUILDING SCHEME FOR YOUNG ASSOCIATIONS LAUNCHED

Following its Annual General Meeting in Zagreb, IMPALA is announcing the launch of a capacity-building scheme for its new member associations. IMPALA is also welcoming a new Ukrainian trade association member, the recently founded SPILNA.

Under the capacity scheme, new national groups across Europe will provide key services to help build capacity locally, as part of the overall IMPALA network. This includes strengthening their local and regional network, providing tailored advice, counselling and workshops, as well as disseminating information about IMPALA’s work. This is co-funded by the European Union through the cultural network programme announced earlier this year. 

The scheme is the continuation of IMPALA’s network development in territories in greater Europe, fostering cultural exchange, promoting European values and advocacy for a harmonised approach to creative industries and best commercial practices, cultivating local and regional capacity-building activities.
 
IMPALA is thrilled to announce the following two associations will benefit from the scheme this year:  

1. Bulgarian ANMIP, launched in 2023
2. Ukrainian SPILNA, IMPALA’s newest member

 
SPILNA’s objectives are to develop the protection of the music industry, intellectual property rights, and enhance standards in the field of music and related industries.
 
SPILNA’s founding members are:

1. BEST MUSIC LLC
2. POMITNI LLC
3. BLACK BEATS LLC
4. ENKO LTD
5. Africa Records
6. Foxlab LLC
7. Papa Music LLC
8. MULTIPRODUCTION LLC
9. Melaya Music
10. MONATIK CORPORATION LLC

SPILNA welcomes new members, you can find out more here:

SPILNA's website

Instagram

Facebook

 
Besides finances aimed at boosting IMPALA’s work locally, these associations will provide services representing IMPALA alongside tailored collaboration with longstanding IMPALA members and members of the secretariat.
 
Dario Draštata, Chair of IMPALA, President of RUNDA Adria and Executive Director of Dallas Records commented: “It’s great that our new members are able to participate in this new scheme, co-funded by the EU. They will provide key services in their country for IMPALA, which means new members like Bulgaria and Ukraine can be joined up and active with the rest of Europe. Ukraine’s independent music community has shown remarkable resilience and creativity, and their services under this scheme will take their place alongside fellow associations.”
 
Iryna Gorova, Founder and CEO of Ukrainian label pomitni, and one of the founding members of the Ukrainian Music Association ‘SPILNA’ added: 'We are very grateful to the Board for approving the membership of Ukrainian music association ‘Spilna’ in IMPALA. We are excited to become part of a community that unites professionals who share our dedication to music, creativity, and the development of the industry. This partnership opens new opportunities for us to provide key services in Ukraine, collaborate in Europe and internationally, exchange knowledge and best practices, and participate in initiatives that will strengthen and develop our music market and also give IMPALA’s projects the visibility they deserve with our members.”
 
Kees Van Weijen, CEO STOMP, Executive Board Member IMPALA continued: “Launching this new scheme marks an important step in strengthening representation for independent music communities and IMPALA across Europe. With the support of the EU, emerging associations can provide services and tools to build sustainable structures from day one. We are delighted that Bulgaria and now Ukraine will participate in this initiative, as both countries play a vital role in enriching the diversity of our sector.”
 
Ruth Koleva, Board Director of ANMIP concluded: “Having been part of IMPALA for two years now, we are delighted to be recognised under this new capacity-building scheme. It comes at a crucial moment for our association and the services we will provide for IMPALA will boost their visibility, help us strengthen our structures, expand our activities, and better connect with our independent music community at both national and European levels.”