Sustainable Boating Strategy
European Boating Industry (EBI), the association representing the national federations of the boating industry at the European Union level, held its annual general meeting on January 25, 2022. On this occasion, the organization unveiled its strategic project for the period 2022-2025, with the motto "Advancing and representing a sustainable boating and marine tourism industry #MadeInEurope". The main working themes are: the European Green Deal, the Yachting Directive, the circular economy and the end of life of boats, tourism, VAT, professional qualifications, the blue economy, access to finance, trade policy, European waters legislation.
The association also partially renewed its board and presented a new logo.
Adapting to European policy
The decision for a strategic review was driven by the observation of political developments in the European institutions. "Being next to the Parliament in Brussels, we are involved in exchanges and information. We felt that our strategy needed to be refocused in relation to the EU's concerns in terms of the environment and digital technology in particular. There are new members of parliament since 2 years and a request from Brussels to be closer. This is what we have been asking for a long time. It is important to explain what we do to elected officials. To remind them, for example, that 80% of boats are motorized and very few are electric. And that it cannot be done as easily as in the car industry" explains Jean-Pierre Goudant, president of EBI.
The other challenge is also to make ourselves better known to boat builders in Europe. "We are often opposed to ICOMIA, but our role in Europe is really to send information back to the shipyards that we represent in Brussels," he adds.
European yachting regulations, recycling and Brexit
If the themes are numerous and general, some concrete aspects are already emerging. "On the RCD (Recreational Craft Directive), we have succeeded in asserting our rights and achieving a text accepted by the EU. On end-of-life boats, France and APER are recognized as having the most experience. We share it among members to spread and with the Parliament. We are also working on the Brexit with a webinar to understand the problems of importers in the EU and the United Kingdom to bring the information to Europe," concludes Jean-Pierre Goudant.
