Newsletter April 2021

urismAs EBI informed in an article in its March newsletter, last month the Commission issued a Communication titled “A common path to safe and sustained re-opening”, which spells out a number of recommendations for Member States to adopt a coordinated approach to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, such as the adoption of a Digital Green Certificate. One of the measures listed in the Communication is the rollout of an EU tourism health seal, which businesses…

BrexOn 27 April, the European Parliament approved the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The results showed 660 votes in favour, 5 against and 32 abstentions. This was followed by the decision of the Council of the EU to also ratify the TCA. The EU-UK TCA sets out preferential arrangements following Brexit. The Agreement covers areas such as trade in goods and services, digital trade, intellectual property, fisheries, energy and public procurement. The ratification of…

The Brussels-based media outlet EURACTIV held a webinar titled “Blue economy: the potential of our oceans to contribute to a green recovery”. Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius, in charge for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, spoke at the event and expressed his view that the need to adapt and mitigate climate change will create tangible opportunities for businesses across Europe. Bernhard Friess, Director for Maritime Policy and Blue Economy at DG MARE also expressed its conviction that circular…

Following the partnership announced in January 2021, EBI and The SeaCleaners will hold the webinar “Harnessing the potential of recreational boating against marine litter” on 19 May. The webinar will be an opportunity for boating industry stakeholders to discuss what role recreational boating can play in tackling marine pollution. The event will take place on the occasion of the 2021 European Maritime Day, an excellent chance for the European community to engage with maritime affairs…