Through the agreement, ICOMIA will continue to provide technical and environmental support. ICOMIA will assist EBI with advice and expertise in statistical work or studies. EBI will continue acting as the voice of the recreational boating industry in Europe, providing input to policy discussions impacting the sector.

Udo Kleinitz, Secretary General of ICOMIA, said: “Europe is a large and important market at approximately 30% of our industry, however not governed by the European Institutions rather than a national government. So naturally, there is great relevance for both organisations in understanding and shaping the developments that affect the marine leisure sector. ICOMIA and EBI have overlapping membership in form of its national member associations. Our members wish us to cooperate rather than duplicate work, so I am very positive about the renewal of the SLA.”

Philip Easthill, Secretary General of EBI, said: “We are delighted to have renewed our partnership with ICOMIA, which shows the strong alignment between our two organisations and we look forward to the cooperation. At a crucial time in discussions on issues ranging from environmental policy to trade and industry policy in the EU, we look forward to working with our colleagues at international level to unite on key issues for our sector and provide input to policy-makers and stakeholders.”