The popular Vene 24 Båt Helsinki International Boat Show is the annual meeting place for Nordic boating enthusiasts

Helsinki International Boat Show, Vene 24 Båt, annually showcases over 400 new boats, boating accessories and equipment, as well as products related to fishing and water activities. The largest boating event in Northern Europe is a popular event among Finnish boating enthusiasts and attracts international interest. Helsinki International Boat Show will be held on 9-18 February 2024 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.

One in five Finns owns a boat. Finns are a boating nation, and the Finnish boat industry is robust. Vene 24 Båt attracts interest in boats of all sizes and price ranges. The annual number of visitors to the event is almost 70,000. The significance of the Helsinki International Boat Show continues to grow each year. "Boat sales reached record levels in the exceptional COVID-19 years. Boating is of interest, and the boat show provides a unique opportunity to compare wide selection of boats and find the right one for oneself," says Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat.

Learn more here.

The European Commission took a decision the 19th of December 2023 to extend the suspension of EU tariffs on US products, specifically related to the steel and aluminium dispute, until March 31, 2025. This includes the continued suspension of tariffs on imports of US recreational boats.

This decision marks a noteworthy development in the ongoing trade relations between the European Union and the United States. The extension provides further temporary relief, and EBI acknowledges the efforts made to address the complexities of the trade dispute. It offers good news to European importers and distributors of US boats, as well as the entire value chain in Europe and the US. EBI is grateful to the European Commission for its constructive engagement with the sector and today’s decision.

While recognising the positive step, EBI emphasises the importance of achieving a permanent resolution to fully eliminate retaliatory tariffs and foster a stable and mutually beneficial trade environment. EBI encourages both sides to continue their dialogue with the goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement that will benefit industries on both sides of the Atlantic.

EBI, together with NMMA and ICOMIA, has been active in advocating on the issue towards the EU and US side. Most recently, this included a joint statement by European and US industry associations co-signed by EBI and NMMA.

For more information visit the European Commission’s Press Release.

The European Commission has launched the Skills and Talent Mobility package to address persistent skills shortages in the EU. Key initiatives include the creation of an EU Talent Pool, simplified recognition of qualifications, and an emphasis on learning mobility.

The EU Talent Pool will be a voluntary platform supported by Member States with the objective of streamlining international recruitment, connecting EU employers with jobseekers from non-EU countries, addressing shortages in key occupations. Member States will play a role in managing the platform, sharing information on recruitment procedures, and ensuring fair conditions. This initiative is part of the broader Skills and Talent Mobility package, aiming to tackle labour shortages and enhance global collaboration in talent acquisition. These measures aim to attract talent globally, facilitate internal mobility, and streamline the hiring process. For the EBI, these proposals could offer solutions to workforce challenges, potentially widening the pool of skilled professionals and aligning with the industry's need for diverse, younger and qualified talent.

Learn more here.

Tourism ministers from European Union member states gathered in Palma to endorse the so-called Palma Declaration, setting a course for the social sustainability of the EU tourism sector. The declaration envisions a sustainable model for tourism, emphasizing environmental consciousness, digitalization, inclusivity, resilience, and responsiveness to future challenges. Member states urge the European Commission to actively support efforts in developing a competitive, high-quality, and sustainable tourism sector that respects multicultural dimensions and is accessible to all across European regions.

The Palma Declaration advocates for continued work on the Transition Pathway for Tourism and the EU Agenda for Tourism 2030, focusing on measuring tourism's economic, social, and environmental impacts. It highlights the transformative role of technology in promoting sustainability, emphasizing digitalization for competitiveness and encouraging data sharing in a European data space for tourism. Additionally, the declaration calls for a comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism, fostering equal opportunities, accessible and inclusive tourism, and responsible consumption and production modalities. The signatory member states commit to fostering competitiveness, supporting collaboration, and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. The Palma Declaration seeks to create an environment that prioritizes the well-being of local residents, harnesses technology for innovation, and ensures the growth of European tourism is sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Access the Palma Declaration here.

HELCOM, formed in 1974 under the Helsinki Convention, safeguards the Baltic Sea environment with ten Contracting Parties and a rotating chairmanship, supported by a Helsinki-based Secretariat and over 60 observers. HELCOM undertakes an assessment of the environmental state of the Baltic Sea at a regular interval (HOLAS). These are the key findings of the report:

• Limited Improvement: The assessment indicates minimal to no improvement in the Baltic Sea environment during the evaluation period.
• Call for Action: Transformative changes are imperative across sectors to counter negative trends and safeguard ecosystems.
• Effective Measures: Implemented strategies to alleviate Baltic Sea pressures showcase effectiveness, emphasizing the continued relevance of the Baltic Sea Action Plan.
• Policy Advances: Knowledge and policies for the Baltic Sea environment have markedly progressed over the past six years.
• Climate Change Emphasis: Anticipated climate change impacts underscore the need for resilience measures and mitigation efforts.
• HELCOM's Focus: HELCOM prioritizes implementing the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan, adopting ecosystem-based management, and minimizing climate change impacts.

In conclusion, the report underscores the importance of collective action and sustainable practices. Achieving a thriving Baltic Sea is not merely an environmental aspiration but an investment in sustainable regional development. EBI is an observer member of HELCOM and will be involved in any follow-up to the report related to recreational boating.

Access the report here.

Innovative Online Modular Course Sets New Standards for Environmental Training in Nautical Tourism and will be available free of charge.

Brussels, 14/12/2023 – The EnviroNaut project, in collaboration with six esteemed partners and with the support of Erasmus+ funding from the European Union, proudly presents the culmination of a two-year endeavor—the launch of the EnviroNaut Environmental Officer Course. This pioneering online modular course, set to be unveiled at boot Düsseldorf 2024 on January 22nd at the Blue Innovation Dock, signifies a groundbreaking approach to environmental training within the nautical tourism sector. Register for the launch event here.

Initiated in February 2022, the Environaut project aimed to address crucial environmental challenges within the nautical tourism sector. The need to increase control over environmental impacts, improve knowledge regarding legislation, pollution control, and waste management highlighted the need for a comprehensive training program.

The primary objective of the EnviroNaut projectis to create the course for the position of "Environmental Officer in Nautical Tourism" and deliver it as a modular online course. This innovative program aims to bridge the gaps in environmental awareness, legislative compliance, and sustainability practices.

The launch event, scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024, at boot Düsseldorf 2024, will feature a panel discussion on skills for sustainable nautical tourism from 14:30 – 15:15 and presentation of the EnviroNaut course at the Blue Innovation Dock stage from 15:30 to 16:00. Panellists include Karsten Stahlhut, Managing Director of the German Marine Association, Frank Schweikert (Founder, German Ocean Foundation) and Stavros Katsikadis, President of the Greek Marinas Association, among others.

The EnviroNaut course comprises five online modules, including an introductory module on Ocean Literacy and four specialised modules tailored for workers in Marinas, Sea Schools and Watersport Clubs, Skippers, and Maintenance Companies. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate for the position as Environmental Officers. It will also be a sign of environmental action for companies training their employees, which will be welcomed by customers, the local community and policy-makers.

Following the launch, the EnviroNaut course will be accessible to everyone at environaut.eu free of charge.

The EnviroNaut team invites industry professionals, stakeholders, and the public to join us at boot Düsseldorf 2024 and embark on this transformative journey toward a more sustainable future for nautical tourism.

Register here to get guaranteed access to the blue innovation dock stage and benefit from the lounge and complementary drinks.

Launch partnership with BENETEAU - San Lorenzo as Performance Partner

More power for innovative technologies and sustainable marinas