The European Sustainable Boating Roundtable, held during the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, underlined the importance of close cooperation between the boating industry and European institutions at a time of international uncertainty. Organised by EBI and Confindustria Nautica under the title “Resilient and sustainable growth amid global trade shifts”, the event gathered senior policymakers and industry representatives to discuss how to secure competitiveness while advancing sustainability.

Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the EU Commission, addressed the roundtable by video message, with Cabinet expert Gabriele Giudice participating in person. They  highlighted that the boating sector is recognised within the EU’s economic and tourism priorities, with links to upcoming initiatives including the Industrial Maritime Strategy, the Sustainable Tourism Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.

The European Parliament was represented by Croatian MEP Željana Zovko (EPP), who stressed the importance of transatlantic cooperation, and Italian MEPs Brando Benifei (S&D) and Letizia Moratti (EPP). Despite political differences, both underlined that Europe must strengthen its trade framework and provide more robust support to exporting industries.

From the industry side, Fabio Planamente, Vice-President of Confindustria Nautica, called for national and EU-level strategies to move in the same direction. Sebastian Nietupski, CEO of Kotniz Group and former President of Polboat, highlighted the need for European frameworks that respond to the realities of business. Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica, closed the debate by warning against rushed regulatory changes, drawing lessons from the automotive sector.

The exchanges demonstrated a shared understanding: competitiveness and sustainability must go hand in hand, stability in regulation is essential, and decarbonisation requires investment and efficient policy instruments. For EBI, the roundtable provided an effective platform to position the industry’s priorities directly with EU decision-makers and to show the sector’s readiness to contribute to ongoing legislative work.

The success of the roundtable confirmed its role as a reference point for dialogue at European level. Building on these outcomes, EBI will continue its engagement with the EU Commission and Parliament to ensure that the industry’s perspective is part of upcoming strategies and legislative proposals.