Today, as the European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected, European Boating Industry, alongside fellow members of the Tourism Manifesto coalition, presents its four priorities aimed at reshaping the future of tourism across the European Union.

The manifesto alliance connects over 70 public and private sector organisations, emphasises the necessity for a coordinated and strategic approach to sustain and enhance Europe's position as a leading tourism destination. With tourism being a critical component of the European economy, the manifesto advocates for policies that promote sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience across the sector.

The paper, titled "Tourism in Transition: A New Consensus for Change," outlines key priorities and actionable strategies for the EU's 2024-2029 mandate. The four main priorities are Decarbonisation, EU Vision & Strategy, Connectivity & Borders, and Innovation & Adaptation[1]. EBI represents the nautical tourism sector within the alliance that reaches into every sub-sector of tourism. The policy paper sits alongside EBI’s own calls for the next legislative period focusing on the boating and nautical tourism sector specifically[2].

Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of EBI, states, "We congratulate Ursula von der Leyen to her election as Commission President. This manifesto represents an important moment for the tourism sector in Europe. As we face unprecedented challenges and opportunities, it is essential that we adopt a strategic, coordinated approach to ensure sustainable growth and resilience. The next five years and the work of the EU are critical in this. Together with the entire tourism sector, we are committed to working with the Commission President to bring these recommendations to life and secure a prosperous future for tourism in Europe."

[1] Tourism Manifesto priorities 2024-2029

[2] European Boating Industry calls 2024-2029

Today, a coalition of 31 leading European business associations has come together to call for an ambitious and open trade policy to support the EU’s competitiveness and economic prosperity. In a Joint Declaration, they highlight the importance of trade openness in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing resilience in the face of global challenges.

Trade remains a cornerstone of the EU’s economic strength, directly supporting one in five EU jobs through exports. It significantly benefits consumers by expanding choices—a sentiment shared by 60% of Europeans—and attracts foreign investments that drive growth and innovation. Furthermore, diversified sourcing and export strategies strengthen the EU’s ability to navigate and overcome crises.

These facts reinforce the necessity of maintaining openness and growth as fundamental components of the EU’s trade policy. Achieving this requires deliberate prioritisation of policies that open new and diversified markets through trade agreements and reduce technical barriers to trade.

In their Joint Declaration, the 31 associations outline their vision for a successful EU trade policy in the upcoming institutional cycle. The coalition’s primary call to action is to enhance trade openness by pursuing new and renewed trade agreements to improve market access.

Additionally, the coalition advocates for the appointment of a dedicated Commissioner for Trade to oversee this exclusive EU competence, ensuring focused leadership and strategic direction.

The coalition calls on the EU to continue supporting The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the international rules-based system, which are key to ensuring a fair and predictable trade environment.

Lastly, the open trade coalition calls for increased collaboration with third-country partners and a more robust trade diplomacy to support an ambitious open trade policy.

The coalition firmly believes that these priorities related to strengthening trade openness, appointing a dedicated trade Commissioner, supporting the WTO and enhancing Cooperation and Trade Diplomacy are crucial for the EU to maintain its global economic leadership and secure a prosperous future for its citizens.

The Women in Nautica conference gives you a unique opportunity to witness and engage with the strengths, experiences and visions of women leaders in the boating industry.  It is organised by the Croatian companies Navela and Misli More. It will be held on the 17th of October in hotel Zonar, in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Croatia has been among the top three boating destinations for the last few years. During an engaging program find out more on sustainability, risk management, sales trends, AI & more in the boating industry, with international panelists sharing their year-long knowledge and experience. Learn more in the  Women in Nautica Instagram and LinkedIn.

Register here.

With thanks to EBI sustaining member for the update, the Fédération Française de Ports de Plaisance (FFPP - French Federation of Marinas) announced that 53 French marinas had voluntarily signed up to assist boaters with a new system that both broadens and simplifies border controls for third-country nationals travelling to or from outside the Schengen area, such as British travellers arriving in France or European boaters leaving France for the UK or Channel Islands.

Using a single generic document which can be completed on a mobile phone, boaters can fill in this form and send it to the participating marinas at least 24 hours prior to arrival – or when leaving the previous port outside the Schengen area, if the voyage time is less than twenty-four hours. The marinas will then take care of transmitting documents to the relevant border control authorities and authorise arrival. Entry and departure can be affected in each of the participating marinas, and there is no need to arrive and depart from the same location.  

FFPP stresses that this new system doesn’t replace standard Schengen protocols and that those departing by plane or ferry or otherwise requiring a passport stamp, will need to obtain this from official customs offices such as those in the existing PPF ports.

Regarding the anticipated new digital Entry/Exit System (ESS), this is previewed for the end of 2024 at the earliest and so the current system will remain in place until then.

The relevant documents are expected to be posted online on the FFPP website.

European Boating Industry held its biannual General Assembly on June 11, 2024, in Barcelona, marking its 15th anniversary. Hosted by the National Association of Nautical industries (ANEN), the event highlighted EBI's growth to 28 members, welcoming the Turkish Yacht & Boat Industry Association (YATED), the Croatian Employer’s Association (CEA), and the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) as new members.

Key discussions included post-EU election strategies, engagement with new EU institutions, and sustainability initiatives. EBI President Robert Marx emphasized the importance of the boating industry to Barcelona's maritime heritage and the strengthening of EBI’s advocacy efforts with new members. The assembly also featured visits to notable nautical sites, reinforcing EBI's commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative practices in the boating industry.

Follow the link to read the full press release.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) has launched the State of the Ocean Report 2024, highlighting crucial insights into the health of our oceans. Key findings include:

• Doubling of ocean warming: The ocean is now warming at twice the rate it was 20 years ago, contributing significantly to rising sea levels.
• Declining oxygen levels: Coastal areas are experiencing reduced oxygen levels, creating "dead zones" where marine life struggles to survive.
• Increasing acidity: Ocean acidity has risen by 30% since pre-industrial times, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems.
• Blue carbon and MPAs: Marine forests and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a vital role in carbon absorption and biodiversity protection.

Discover the full report here.

In June, the Council formally adopted the regulation on nature restoration after its prior approval by the EU Parliament. This law aims to put measures in place to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. It sets specific, legally binding targets and obligations for nature restoration in each of the listed ecosystems – from terrestrial to marine, freshwater and urban ecosystems. The regulation aims to mitigate climate change and the effects of natural disasters and to restore European nature.

The regulation requires member states to establish and implement measures to jointly restore, as an EU target, at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. The regulation covers a range of terrestrial, coastal and freshwater, forest, agricultural and urban ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, forests, rivers and lakes, as well as marine ecosystems, including seagrass and sponge and coral beds.

On habitats deemed in poor condition, as listed in the regulation, member states will take measures to restore at least 30% by 2030, at least 60% by 2040, and at least 90% by 2050. Under the new rules, member states must plan and submit national restoration plans to the Commission, showing how they will deliver on the targets. They must also monitor and report on their progress, based on EU-wide biodiversity indicators.

The regulation will now be published in the EU’s Official Journal and enter into force. It will become directly applicable in all member states.

The European Commission DG for MAritime Affairs has launched a public consultation on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) to gather insights from stakeholders across the EU. As MSP becomes increasingly vital in environmental governance, this survey aims to understand the varied approaches Member States use for stakeholder consultation, especially amid updates and revisions to MSPs.

This consultation is crucial for the recreational boating sector. The expanding uses of the sea such as offshore wind energy are likely to impact our activities. Your participation can help ensure that the interests of the recreational boating industry are considered.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and includes a mix of open and closed questions. It is available until 5 July 2024. Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of MSP and enhancing public participation in these processes.

Complete the survey here.

European Boating Industry (EBI) held its biannual General Assembly on June 11, 2024, in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Hosted by the Spanish member, Asociación Nacional de Empresas Nauticas (ANEN), in collaboration with the Marina Port Vell, the Port of Barcelona and MB92, this significant event set the stage for discussions and strategic partnerships for the future of the boating industry in Europe. Turkey, Croatia, and ADAC joined EBI.

Members had the opportunity to visit some key nautical sites in the city, including MB92 Superyacht Refit, the America’s Cup base and Marina Port Vell. At its 15th anniversary after being founded in 2009, EBI has grown significantly to now encompasses 28 members representing thousands of companies in the recreational boating industry. A major highlight of the assembly was the welcoming of new full and sustaining members. The Turkish Yacht & Boat Industry Association (YATED) and the Nautical Sector of the Croatian Employer’s Association (CEA) joined EBI as full members. Additionally, the  General German Automobile Club (ADAC) joined EBI as sustaining member. This underscores EBI's growing reach, solidifying its role as a key representative of the boating industry across Europe.

"Barcelona provided the perfect backdrop for this year's General Assembly, showing the importance of our industry in supporting the city’s rich maritime heritage and a dynamic environment for the boating industry" said EBI President, Robert Marx. "We are thrilled to welcome our new members from Turkey, Croatia, and the ADAC, whose inclusion will strengthen our collective voice and enhance our ability to advocate for the industry's interests at the European level."

Murat Bekiroglu, President of YATED states: “I am enchanted and very proud of our incorporation in the European Boating Industry (EBI) whose strategy prioritises sustainability, changes in consumer needs and demands, and digitalisation, which are the principal and primary aspects of our organisation, YATED, as well as the keen ambition towards achieving the highest standards in our industry. Turkey, having an exceptionally energetic and fast-growing marine industry, and matchless nautical tourism potential, has undoubtedly too much to add to and get from the EBI. I see immense opportunities which will arise from our collaboration with the EBI.”

Romano Piculjan, President of CEA commented: "We want to achieve the most favorable legislative framework for our members and Croatian nautical industry in general. Better visibility and promotion of boating industry, ecology and environmental protection has become one of the most important topics for our association. Joining EBI is important for us, not only because we share the same goals, but also because of better and easier global activities for our members and connections with European Boating Industry."

Karlheinz Jungbeck, Tourism President of ADAC, added: “We are looking forward to a successful sponsoring membership of the ADAC in the EBI. This will enable our two associations to work together even more effectively at European level and advance important issues such as the establishment of the circular economy in the boating industry or the universal mutual recognition of recreational boating licences in EU countries and beyond.”

The General Assembly gathered members to discuss crucial topics including a post-EU election recap, its engagement plan with new EU institutions, and updates on EU Affairs. These topics fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration to promote the boating sector's growth and sustainability.