The recreational boating industry is substantially impacted by EU legislation over the last decades. This has allowed it to grow and become a significant sector of the European economy. To implement its mission of advancing and representing a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry #MadeInEurope, EBI focuses on a number of overarching policy areas. These are those that significantly impact the recreational boating and nautical tourism industry.
In each EBI interacts with the key stakeholders and policy-makers to adress the key issues affecting the industry.
EBI Calls for the period 2024-2029: A vision for a sustainable boating industry #MadeInEurope
With the upcoming EU elections poised to define the trajectory for 2024-2029, European Boating Industry (EBI) presents its manifesto, aimed at shaping policy for the boating and nautical tourism sector in Europe in collaboration with policymakers.
Charting a Course for a Sustainable Future
Titled "Navigating Tomorrow: A Vision for a Sustainable Boating Industry #MadeInEurope," EBI's manifesto sets forth a strategic roadmap to enhance the role of the boating industry in fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability and innovation, and bolstering European competitiveness on the global stage.
The Backbone of Europe's Blue Economy
Boating and water sports are not merely recreational activities; they are integral to Europe's economic prosperity, cultural heritage, and societal well-being. With over 32,000 companies and 280,000 employees, the boating industry stands as a cornerstone of the blue economy and tourism sector, providing access to Europe's seas and inland waters for 48 million regular water sports users.
5 Objectives and Concrete Calls to Action to future-proof the boating industry for the 2024-2029 Period:
EBI's manifesto outlines a comprehensive strategy with objectives:
- Advance environmental sustainability and circularity
- Renew European industrial competitiveness
- Facilitate European-based tourism across borders
- Renew Europe’s inland and coastal infrastructure
- Reduce administrative burdens
And to translate these objectives into tangible outcomes, EBI has presented a series of concrete calls to action:
1. A comprehensive approach to reducing environmental impact
2. Open up Europe’s internal borders for boaters and skippers
3. Enable the circular economy in the boating industry
4. Future-proofing Europe’s marinas
5. Creating a level VAT playing field in the tourism sector
Engagement and Advocacy
EBI urges candidates to support the manifesto's objectives, ensuring a thriving future for the boating industry and Europe's blue economy.
For further information and to access the full manifesto, click here.
EBI interacts with the key regulatory bodies for the industry at EU level and internationally. This includes:
- European Union (European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, European Economic and Social Committee, European Committee of the Regions)
- Regional Seas Conventions (OSPAR/North-East Atlantic, HELCOM/Baltic Sea, Barcelona Convention/Mediterranean)
- Regulatory bodies for inland navigation in Europe (UN Economic Commission in Europe (UNECE), Working Party on Inland Water Transport, European committee for drawing up standards in the field of inland navigation - CESNI)
EBI also interacts with the key stakeholder organisations for the recreational boating industry, for instance through the European Tourism Manifesto. EBI is one of over 70 European public and private organisations involved in the Coalition, covering the whole tourism value chain and beyond.