During its General Assembly at boot Düsseldorf, European Boating Industry (EBI) announced a significant expansion of its membership, reinforcing its role as the united voice of the recreational boating industry in Europe. EBI welcomed British Marine as a new full member, reflecting the strong trade links and regulatory cooperation between the EU and the UK, one of the most important markets for European boatbuilders. In addition, Volvo Penta joined as a sustaining member, further strengthening EBI’s industrial base with a major European manufacturer of engines and power systems for recreational boats. A key highlight of the General Assembly was also the formal inclusion of the Nordic Cluster into EBI membership, bringing together Danboat (Denmark), Sweboat (Sweden), Norboat (Norway), Finnboat (Finland) and the Association of Estonian Marine Industries (Estonia). This step ensures full representation of one of Europe’s most important boating regions within EBI and enhances coordinated advocacy on sustainability, competitiveness and regulation at EU level. With these new members, EBI now represents 34 members across 24 European countries, strengthening its collective voice at a crucial time for the sector.

Members also approved EBI’s new strategic framework for the period 2026–2029, focusing on advocacy, services and collaboration. At the core of the strategy is EBI’s mission of “advancing a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry made in Europe”. The strategy focuses on building a favourable legislative framework at European level, strengthening recognition of the sector as an important contributor to Europe’s economy and tourism and of EBI as a trusted partner for EU institutions, providing valuable services to members and industry, and connecting and engaging the sector across the European value chain.

Read the full press release here.