EBI was invited to participate in a high-level restricted meeting at the EU Industry Days in Rzeszów, Poland with Director-General of the EU Commission DG for Internal Market and Industry, Kerstin Jorna and Minister Baranowski (Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology/EU Presidency) together with all the top leadership of the EU Commission in this area. 

At the roundtable, EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill emphasised the urgent need to safeguard investment and economic stability in the EU by addressing escalating trade tensions with the US. Current US tariffs have already severely hampered exports, particularly affecting SMEs, and the proposed EU countermeasures threaten further disruption. With a thriving and export-driven recreational boating sector employing 280,000 people—96% in SMEs—and maintaining a strong 9:1 trade surplus with the US, the industry’s perspective is vital. 

EBI warned that inclusion of boats and key components like outboard engines in countermeasures could risk thousands of jobs, destabilise supply chains, and damage EU competitiveness. It calls for their exclusion from EU retaliatory measures and urges a fresh policy evaluation. Furthermore, EBI advocates for a broader pro-investment strategy including regulatory simplification (especially the Recreational Craft Directive), integration into EU tourism and maritime industrial strategies, infrastructure investments in sustainable marinas, recognition of boating licenses across member states, and support for sustainable fuel transitions—all aimed at fostering a strong, resilient European boating sector.

The EU Commission representatives highlighted the need for a paradigm shift to complete the Single Market, simplify regulation, focus on competitiveness and urgently create better conditions for EU businesses. There was recognition that ‘overregulation is killing industry’ and a clear sense of urgency and prioritisation to support businesses to (continue to) choose Europe for their investments. Other sectors represented echoed this sentiment and requested horizontal and specific measures to urgently support their sectors.