An OSPAR project group is developing a regional action plan for Underwater Noise in the North-East Atlantic and invites stakeholders to participate in an online consultation. OSPAR aims to reduce anthropogenic underwater noise to protect the marine environment, and the action plan will cover the period 2025-2035. This may also cover underwater noise from recreational boats.

OSPAR is the regional cooperation mechanism for countries in the North-East Atlantic focusing on improving the marine environment. EBI is an observer member of OSPAR since 2022.

The plan aims to harmonise targets, develop sub-regional approaches, share best practices, collaborate with other organizations, support Contracting Parties, and improve knowledge through scientific programs.

Stakeholders interested in contributing can fill out an online questionnaire to provide their views and ideas on the relevant issues and specific actions for the action plan until 21 August. Find the questionnaire here.

EBI co-organised the 2nd International Blue Generation Conference, held in Brussels on 5 July. The aim of the conference was to create a link between the potential of the ocean and the aspirations of young people, bringing together the dynamic forces of the blue economy and young minds to discuss "Future-proofing the Blue Economy".

The conference welcomed representatives from the institutions, such as Andreea Strachinescu, Head of Unit of DG MARE of the European Commission, who underlined the importance of connecting BlueGeneration with other EU initiatives such as Blue Invest, which promotes innovation and investment in sustainable technologies for the blue economy, or Nora Mehsen, Sector Officer and Programme Manager of the Financial Mechanism Office, who highlighted the need to empower young people with purposeful careers.

The conference was also the occasion to launch the BlueGeneration Federation, which aims to ensure the sustainability of BlueGeneration's growing impact and to further connect young people to the blue economy.
The recording of the conference is available here.

EBI, together with WindEurope, EuCIA, CEMBUREAU, Cefic UP/VE, Cefic Epoxy Europe, and Glass Fibre Europe, has formed a coalition representing the value chain of the composites industry to find circular solutions for end-of-life composites. One of the joint actions is to advocate for the use of cement co-processing as a sustainable recycling solution.

Cement co-processing effectively reuses 100% of composite waste materials on a large scale, which benefits the environment by reducing the need for natural raw materials and fossil energy sources in cement production. However, the coalition calls for an EU regulatory framework to facilitate wider application of this approach. They propose the recognition of co-processing as a recycling process, the creation of a unified collection system for composite waste, the introduction of specific waste codes for end-of-life composites and a shift from landfilling to more sustainable recycling methods.

More information on the coalition's position can be found here.

The European Union has announced the extension of the existing anti-dumping measures in place for glass fibre reinforcements originating from China for a further five years. According to Glass Fibre Europe, the association representing the European continuous filament glass fibre industry, the European market has been “flooded” with subsidised glass fibre products from Chinese producers, both originating from China and newly established facilities outside China. Glass Fibre Europe emphasised that further action will be needed to fully restore a level playing field with Chinese companies.

The official Implementing Regulation from the European Commission can be found here.

Spain took over the presidency of the European Council on 1 July for a period of six months. It is the first of a trio of presidencies, followed by Belgium and Hungary in 2024.

Spain published its programme (available here) and announced its four priority areas:

• Reindustrialisation
• Ecological transition
• Social and economic justice
• European unity

The most relevant aspects for the recreational boating industry are the will to promote and advance the European industry and its commitment to ensure sustainable tourism.
Rosana Morillo, Secretary of State for Tourism in Spain before the recent elections on 23 July, further explained the programme for tourism in this presidency: recognising the key role of tourism in the European economy. This presidency will focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of tourism, in particular its social aspect, as it plays a vital role in achieving high quality, accessible and sustainable tourism, aligned with the EU's sustainable goals and the 2030 agenda.

Two important meetings will be held over the next 6 months: the European Tourism Forum, which will take place on 30 and 31 October in Mallorca and the Tourism Intelligence and Data Forum, which will be held in Benidorm on 16 November. The event will focus on the digital transformation of the sector, with special emphasis on the creation of data spaces and how they can be used to improve the development and competitiveness of tourist destinations.

You can read more about the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU here.

This survey aims to collect information about digital tools and good practices used in EU countries that support the tourism sector. Providers of tools in the nautical tourism sector are encouraged to contribute to the database.

More information and the survey available here.

The EU single market is an essential foundation of the European Union economic competitiveness.

The European Commission highlights the need to remove regulatory and administrative barriers, particularly in services sectors, including tourism, a sector facing many challenges like labour and skills shortages.

The European Commission has created a survey to improve its understanding of concrete issues faced by companies in the tourism sector. You can find the survey and more information here.

boot Düsseldorf welcomes the 7th edition of the "Ocean Tribute" Award, which aims to support innovative projects dedicated to the protection of waters and oceans. Sponsored by the Prince Albert II Foundation, the award grants a prize of 20,000€ to the winning project, offering not only financial support but also recognition within the industry. The Ocean Tribute has gained a strong reputation in the field, ensuring that the recipient will benefit from the esteemed status associated with the award.

Nominations for the award are currently open, and interested parties can submit their projects until July 31. A jury comprising experts from the realms of business, science, and society will assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the candidates. Five applicants will be selected to showcase their projects to the international nautical industry during the blue motion night on January 22, held at the next boot Düsseldorf.

Find out more about the Ocean Tribute Award here.

The guide, produced by InnovaMarina, is the result of the collaborative work of many of the leading experts in marina sustainability. This edition brings many new categories, such as sustainable design, environmental certification, building alliances or smart marinas.

"Introduction to Sustainability in Marinas" offers valuable information for those new to the world of sustainability, as well as for those who still have some experience but wish to delve deeper into the main issues relevant to promoting sustainability in marinas.

EBI has contributed to the development of the guide, by providing insights on Building Partnerships, where its Secretary General Philip Easthill, explains the main advantages of building partnerships with other stakeholders to achieve important goals.

“Introduction to Sustainability in Marinas” is available here.