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Below you will find past news from the years 2010 and 2011.
 20 May 2011 - Join us at the European Maritime Day in Gdansk (Poland)
At the occasion of the European Maritime Day in Gdansk, European Boating Industry marked its presence with 3 events:
To read the full report with pictures from the European Maritime Day 2011, please click here
 Breakfast briefing with the boating industry - Friday 20 May from 8:45 to 10:30
European Boating Industry and its Polish member POLBOAT welcomed guests from the European Commission, industry and Polish trade press to a breakfast briefing to learn about the boating industry in Poland and in Europe. POLBOAT Vice-President Sebastian Nietupski kicked off the briefing with a presentation on the boating industry in Poland, while European Boating Industry’s President Fritz Conyn gave an overview of the situation in Europe. Igor Mitroczuk, Counsellor to the Polish Minister of Economy, concluded the presentations by speaking about innovation clusters. Guests and speakers took a trip along Gdansk’s channels aboard Polish-built boats (provided by Galeon, a specialist in motor yachts up to 25m, and by Delphia Yachts, Poland’s largest builder of sailing boats).
 From left to right: P. Jasionowski (POLBOAT), F. Conyn (European Boating Industry), I. Mitroczuk (Polish Ministry of Economy), S. Nietupski (POLBOAT), P. Nemitz (European Commission), P. Scott (POLBOAT) Please click here to download the full programme Public Forum 2011 of the Maritime Industries Forum (MIF) - Friday, 20 May 2011 from 10:30 to 15:00
This year's edition of the Public Forum focused on “Promoting Lifetime Careers in the Waterborne Sector”. It brought together representatives from industry, trade unions, national public administrations and European institutions.President Fritz Conyn took part in the afternoon's panel of the Maritime Industries Forum, which aimed to tackle some of the main issues underlying the human dimension of maritime industries. He presented the experience of the boating industry as well as some policy initiatives for the sector. The panel also noted that the negative perceptions of the maritime industry, the lack of mobility within the sector and the absence of adequate fiscal and legislative measures, all limited the appeal of maritime careers. Some proposals for EU actions were discussed.
More info about the Public Forum 2011 and the Maritime Industries Forum (MIF) on www.mif-eu.org More info about the European Maritime Day 2011 in Gdansk here
 May 2011 issue - News Alert In this issue, you will learn more about the industry position on lifejacket’s directive, safety guides and styrene exposure levels in boatbuilding, environmental guidelines for marinas, denied VAT exemption for certain superyacht operations and boat’s end-of-life issues. There are also open funding opportunities for your projects as well as some open consultations to make your voice heard. To learn more about these topics, please contact your national association - see list here 18 March 2011 - Definitive EU anti-dumping duties of 13.8% imposed on Chinese fibreglass imports European boatbuilding companies are entitled to refunding On 15 March 2011, the notification for final duties on imported fibreglass raw materials imported China (strands, rovings and mats) was published in the Official Journal of the EU. The final duties of 13.8% will be imposed from 16 March 2011 for a period of 5 years. European Boating Industry encourages the boatbuilding companies to get in contact with the EU national authorities concerning the procedure which needs to be followed to release the duties. For assistance, companies can also write to
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March 2011 issue - News Alert In this issue, you will learn more about the final anti-dumping duties imposed on Chinese fibreglass imports; how Europe is protecting its biodiversity and extending its network of protected areas to coastal and marine zones – and what impact it can have on boating and watersport activities. The new EU directive on late payments introduces a 30-day payment period for public authorities to companies. Spain decides to exempt chartered superyachts registered in the Canary Islands register in an attempt to attract them back. Finally, the MARTEC call will provide funding opportunities for research projects. To learn more about these topics, please contact your national association - see list here :::::::::: Open position for a stagiaire / trainee (6 month assignment in Brussels) :::::::::: :::::::::: Deadline for applications - 15 February 2011 ::::::::::
European Boating Industry represents the leisure marine industry and aims at promoting and representing its interests in Europe. The European boating industry is a vibrant sector made of small and medium-sized enterprises in both the industrial and service sectors.European Boating Industry's activities in the field of EU affairs cover a wide range of topics from safety & technical issues to environmental, navigation, business and tourism related issues. In order to assist the Secretariat in its work in Brussels, the organisation is looking for a stagiaire / trainee. Tasks of the stagiaire / trainee The stagiaire / trainee will work on the instructions of the Secretary General. In particular, his/her tasks will include:
The requirements of the applicant
As stagiaire / trainee, we wish to appoint a candidate who is familiar with EU institutions and their functioning. We regard the ability to work in a small team with a high degree of autonomy as a prerequisite.
As an applicant you should satisfy the following:
What we offer
The expected duration of the stage / traineeship is about 6 months, with a possibility to extend it due to the summer break. The stagiaire / trainee will receive an indemnity and work under Belgian contract and conditions. The expected start date is March 2011.
If you wish to apply, please send your application by 15 February 2011 together with a short CV (one-page only) to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Due to the large number of applications, please note that only successful candidates will be contacted for the interview. Thank you. January 2011 issue - News Alert For the first issue in 2011, times are again busy for the industry. Beside the on-going series of boat shows, the year 2011 promises a lot of interesting files in EU affairs outlined in the news published 24 January 2011. Lifejacket manufacturers are joining forces in agreeing a European position for the revision of their directive. A series of consultations are also open for participation. The one on the recognition of professional qualifications is important for our sector since it should enable better recognition of boating professionals skills and diplomas, as well as help them work wherever in Europe. To learn more about these topics, please contact your national association - see list here  27 January 2011 - Boating industry successful in cutting EU duties on Chinese fibreglass imports The active involvement of the European boating industry, together with other European sectors using fibreglass such as the composite and the plastic industries is showing increasing results. In a meeting held on 13 January 2011 with Member States, the European Commission decided to cut by 2/3 the provisional anti-dumping duties adopted in last September 2010. It is now proposing a 13.8% tariff on imports of Chinese fibreglass strands, mats and rovings while yarns are no longer concerned by possible anti-dumping duties. This is a significant reduction compared to the 43.6% currently in place as provisional anti-dumping duties. It seems quite clear that the new Commission’s plan proposing a drastic reduction of anti-dumping duties reflects the growing opposition to the original duties and the representations that European Boating Industry has made on behalf of European boatbuilders. On 20 January 2011, only 4 Member States voted in favour of the newly proposed 13.8% definitive anti-dumping duties but due to an astonishing number of abstentions (from 14 Member States), the new measures were carried. It is most likely that this decision will be endorsed by the Council of Ministers that will meet in February. The entry into effect of these new duties would be 17 March 2011. The definitive anti-dumping duties will apply to imports from China of fibreglass strands, rovings and mats, and will be in place for the next 5 years. The President of European Boating Industry, boatbuilder Fritz Conyn, commented the vote outcome saying that “the reduction of this levy from 43.6% down to 13.8% is a significant success for the lobbying efforts of European Boating Industry on this issue. European boatbuilders have been hit by increases in raw material costs through both resin price increases and the introduction of this levy on Chinese fibreglass supply. Our members reacted quickly and worked together through the coordination of our European federation in Brussels to ensure that our industry had a strong voice in Brussels. It is pleasing that we have been able to reduce the impact of this decision on our boatbuilders.” Read full press release here
24 January 2011 - Wide support of the European industry to our action in Brussels Today, European Boating Industry held an extraordinary meeting of the Assembly General in boot Düsseldorf (Germany). With 15 national associations present (out of 17 European members), the meeting confirmed the importance of EU affairs in the boating industry's life. President Fritz Conyn presented his report on the activities carried out in 2010, while the accounts for 2010 and the budget for 2011 were adopted. The outline of the 2011 work programme of European Boating Industry promises work on a series of interesting and important files. The revision of the EU recreational craft directive will enter a new phase with debates expected to start in spring in the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The question of boat's end-of-life will get higher on the European Commission's agenda. A series of EU rules is coming under revision, such as waste reception facilities in marinas; the requirements for lifejackets, buoyancy aids and diving equipment; and the requirements for radio equipment. European Boating Industry will also look into the current rules for safety equipment onboard. Regarding navigation, the discussion will develop on boater's qualifications in Europe while European Boating Industry will closely monitor the Commission’s initiatives on EU borders since these may have a possible impact on the freedom of navigation in Europe. The EU strategy on coastal and marine tourism where boating should play a central role is under preparation in 2011, while the questions of concessions and holiday packages will be under EU scrutiny. A couple of business issues will be of particular interest to the industry, such as the consolidated corporate tax base for companies operating cross-border in Europe, VAT-related issues and an EU law harmonising consumer's rights throughout Europe. Last but not least, attention will be given to professional qualifications and their recognition across Europe, as well as the negotiations on the maritime social agenda for the superyacht segment. The following documents are available for download: - The full report on activities for 2010 - click here
- A couple of slides illustrating the achievements in 2010 - click here
December 2010 issue - News Alert
This is the last issue for 2010. Beside the on-going revision of the EU recreational craft directive, two directives are due for revision: the one covering lifejackets, buoyancy aids and diving equipment (directive on personal protective equipment); and the R&TTE directive for radioequipment used on boats (presented in the previous Alert). The anti-dumping investigation on Chinese fibreglass imports enters its last phase, with European Boating Industry having submitted its contribution and with the final vote scheduled on 13 January 2011. Concerning timber products, new rules will be in place from March 2013. Finally, Spain adopts simpler rules for boat registration. To learn more about these topics, please contact your national association - see list here
October 2010 issue - News Alert This issue is focusing on a series of EU developments which are having a direct impact on our sector. First of all, European Boating Industry will represent the boatbuilding activity in the hearing organised by the European Commission regarding the provisional anti-dumping measures adopted against Chinese fibreglass imports. On 1st January 2011, the new EU requirements on fuel quality will enter into force, potentially causing troubles to older and newer engines but also to fuel tanks placed in boats and marinas. Radio equipment manufacturers may see the EU rules set by the R&TTE directive modified along its future revision. To learn more about these topics, please contact your national association - see list here 4 October 2010 - European Commission's Vice-President Antonio Tajani meets with European entrepreneurs from the boating sector (Genoa boat show, Italy) On Monday 4 October 2010, European Commission's Vice-President Antonio Tajani who is in charge of the EU industry and enterprise policies met with European entrepreneurs and discussed amongst other topics the on-going revision of the EU recreational craft directive, the new tourism and industrial policies for Europe. The roundtable meeting was followed by a press conference and a tour of the Genoa boat show.
Read more about the event here
September 2010 issue - News Alert In this month issue, the highlight is the meeting of European Commission's Vice-President Antonio Tajani in charge of enterprise and industry policies with a delegation of European Boating Industry's members (more details in the above news). On another note, the European Commission decided to impose a 43.6% anti-dumping duty to Chinese companies exporting to Europe in an attempt to restore fair competition on EU market. The revision of the EU recreational craft directive is on its way, with a final Commission's text expected for mid-December and a series of new provisions for boatbuilders and engine manufacturers. B2B transactions will soon be regulated, with all suppliers having to be paid within 60 days. A couple of EU funding opportunities are now open for bids and project proposals.
To learn more about these topics, please contact your national association - see list here
18-21 May 2010 – A successful first participation to the European Maritime Day in Gijon (Spain)
 European Boating Industry and its Spanish member ANEN – Asociacion Nacional de las Empresas Nauticas participated for the first time in the 2010 edition of the European Maritime Days which took place in the beautiful city of Gijon under the Spanish Presidency of the European Union. Beside the participation as speakers in various meetings and the dedicated stand in the exhibition area, European Boating Industry was also present with the racing sailing boat Traité de Rome that was exhibited as official visiting vessel in the marina of Gijon. Traité de Rome is a 51-feet long aluminium sloop that participated in the Whitbread Round the World Race 1977-78 (today known as the Volvo Ocean Race) with the very first European sport team under the flag "EUR 1". To the general surprise, Traité de Rome with her Belgian skipper Philippe Hanin ended the race with a brilliant third place. 19 May 2010 – Celebration of the European Maritime Day on board Traité de Rome  On 19 May 2010, President Fritz Conyn of European Boating Industry and Director Alejandro Landaluce from ANEN participated in the celebration of the European Maritime Day together with the European Commission's Representation in Spain and Europe Direct / Chamber of Commerce of Gijon on board Traité de Rome. Despite the currently difficult times for our industry, this celebration was the opportunity to recall the importance and the dynamism of the boating industry in Europe and in Spain. President Fritz Conyn took the attendants for a tour at sea on Traité de Rome in the windy bay of Gijon. On this picture, from left to right: A. Landaluce (ANEN), F. Conyn (President), Sport Delegate (City of Gijon), I. M. Ruiz de Gauna (Europe Direct / Gijon Chamber of Commerce), J. Ramon Tuero del Prado (Port Authorities of Gijon). Several articles were published in the Spanish press about this event, please click on the media name to view the articles: El Comercio, El Comercio / La Voz de Avilés and La Nueva España
21 May 2010 – Workshop on boat's end-of-life treatment European Boating Industry and ANEN also intervened as speakers at the Maritime Industries Forum, the workshop on coastal tourism and the workshop on boat scrapping. The latest was a great opportunity to share the various experiences conducted in Europe by various boating industry associations in Norway, France and Italy. Click here to read the full article.
See the programme of European Boating Industry in Gijon here More on the sailing boat Traité de Rome on www.sailforeurope.eu
More information about the European Maritime Day on the European Commission's website
27 April 2010 – Members gather in Brussels for the first Assembly General A strong majority of members were present at the first Assembly General of the association, which took place in its Brussels’ office from 11:00 to 14:00. Members gathered the evening before for an informal dinner. All meeting documents are available on the Members' section of the website, under Meetings (username and password needed). 27 April 2011 – Briefing session with European Commission’s DG Enterprise & Industry On 27 April, the afternoon session looked at the existing EU programmes for businesses and especially SMEs (Enterprise Experience, Competitiveness & Innovation Programme, Erasmus for Entrereneurs). The European Commission’s DG Enterprise & Industry hosted our members for a dedicated briefing session. The presentations are available in the Members' section under Meetings. 26 January 2010 – European Boating Industry's roundtable with the European Commission at boot Düsseldorf (Germany)  Today, European Boating Industry met with the delegation of the European Commission’s DG Enterprise & Industry in charge of the EU Recreational Craft Directive. The group discussed the EU policy actions that are directly and indirectly affecting the European leisure marine industry, such as the revision of the Recreational Craft Directive, the effects of the crisis on the EU economy and our sector, and the role of the EU in setting the right regulatory framework conditions. European Boating Industry presented some of the strategic challenges that the European industry has and will have to face to maintain and promote its world leadership. Click here to read the full article On this picture from left to right: J.-J. Woeldgen, C. Leroy and A. Jour-Schröder (European Commission), K. Heiberg-Andersen (European Boating Industry / Windy Boats)
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