EBI successfully concluded its 2026 General Assembly in Istanbul, hosted by YATED, the Yacht and Boat Industry Association of Türkiye. The meeting brought together members from across Europe's recreational boating sector to review progress, welcome new members, and define priorities for the years ahead.

A major milestone of this year's General Assembly was the continued growth of EBI's membership. EBI welcomed Green Sail from Croatia as a new Sustaining Member, further strengthening the organisation's expertise and network in sustainability and innovation. Green Sai is a leading sustainability initiative focused on promoting environmentally responsible practices in nautical tourism and boating. The organisation works with marinas, charter companies and tourism operators to develop practical sustainability solutions, deliver training and education programmes, and raise awareness of marine conservation. With this addition, EBI now brings together 33 members across Europe, reinforcing its position as the leading representative body for the recreational boating industry at European level.

Ornela Krezic, Green Sail Manager comments: “We are excited to join EBI and to contribute to a network that is shaping the future of recreational boating in Europe. Over the years, we have seen how collaboration can drive meaningful change, and we are proud to join an organisation that brings together so many dedicated stakeholders from across Europe. We look forward to contributing to EBI’s mission and helping strengthen sustainability within the recreational boating sector.”

The General Assembly featured workshop sessions which focused on the development of a European-wide approach to boater demographics studies and on best practices in advocacy. Members exchanged experiences and explored opportunities for greater collaboration to strengthen market intelligence, support evidence-based policymaking, and enhance the boating sector's representation at national and European levels.

Participants also visited Aiata Shipyard and Sirena Shipyard, gaining valuable insight into Türkiye's internationally recognised boatbuilding industry and its contribution to innovation, craftsmanship and export growth within the European recreational boating sector. A dedicated session on YATED and the Turkish market also further helped participants gain insight into the development of an exciting market.

Robert Marx, President of European Boating Industry, said: "The continued growth of our membership demonstrates the increasing importance of a strong and united voice for the recreational boating industry in Europe. We are delighted to welcome Green Sail as new sustaining member. By bringing together associations, companies and partners from across the continent, EBI is strengthening its ability to advocate for policies that support competitiveness, innovation and sustainable growth. We were delighted to hold this year's General Assembly in Türkiye, a country that plays an increasingly important role in European boatbuilding, manufacturing excellence and international trade. We sincerely thank YATED for their hospitality and warm welcome to Türkiye."

Murat Bekiroğlu, President of YATED, added: “It was a great pleasure and privilege for YATED (Turkish Yacht and Boat Industry Association) to host the EBI General Assembly in our historic city of Istanbul, which bridges Europe and Asia and has long served as a cultural link between civilizations. We were truly delighted to welcome the esteemed EBI family in Türkiye. The fact that this important meeting held in our country was extremely valuable for us in showcasing the strength and potential of our industry on the international stage.”