The European Commission published the European Green Deal, which is the flagship initiative of the European Commission to tackle climate change and environmental challenges. It is a roadmap to make EU's economy sustainable and addressing climate and environmental challenges.

The European Green Deal provides a roadmap with actions to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy and stop climate change, revert biodiversity loss and cut pollution. It also sets out the investments needed, as well as the tools to ensure a just and inclusive transition. It includes the outline of the future European Climate law, which will enshrine the ambition of being the world's first climate neutral continent by 2050. Other elements of the European Green Deal will also be presented by the Commission in the near future, such as the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the new Industrial Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan and proposals for pollution-free Europe.

While the exact impact and relevance for the recreational boating industry will become clearer in the coming months, some elements are foreseen that may be relevant

• New EU strategy on adaptation to climate change, such as climate-proofing, building resilience and preparedness
• Increasing uptake of the circular economy across sectors through circular design and increased use of recycled materials
• Commercial application of new clean technologies, such as hydrogen, fuel cells and other alternative fuels
• Promotion of inland waterways as means of transport
• Increased engagement with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on climate change and environmental protection
• Increasing coverage of sea areas by Natura 2000 network and support for more connected and well-managed marine protected areas (MPAs)
• Support for a sustainable blue economy
• Zero-pollution approach across all policy areasNew chemicals strategy aiming at sustainability, with protection against hazardous chemicals and promotion of alternatives
• Financing through Sustainable European Investment Plan for additional funding needs

EBI will be engaging with the EU institutions to provide input to the actions laid out in the European Green Deal as a partner in tackling climate change and as a beneficiary of a clean environment and healthy oceans. The full European Green Deal can be found here.

A presentation of the European Green Deal from the European Commission will also take place at the International Breakfast Meeting (IBM) at boot Düsseldorf on 21 January. More information can be found here.