Newsletter January 2026

EU Tourism Day hints at upcoming European Sustainable Tourism Strategy

European Tourism Day took place in Brussels on 26 January 2026, bringing together EU institutions and tourism stakeholders in Brussels to discuss current priorities for European tourism policy and the direction of upcoming EU initiatives, with a focus on competitiveness, resilience and sustainability. EBI attended the event and followed in particular the discussions on access and use of tourism data, as well as the session “Tourism for tomorrow” dedicated to the forthcoming EU Strategy for…

EU and India conclude free trade agreement negotiations

The EU and India have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, described by both sides as the largest trade deal either party has reached. The agreement is expected to deepen economic ties and expand market access, with the EU Commission indicating that, once implemented, it could double EU goods exports to India by 2032 and reduce or eliminate tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports to India, saving around €4 billion per year in…

Cyprus assumes EU Council Presidency with ambitious mandate for 2026

At the start of 2026, Cyprus took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, setting a clear mandate focused on strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, competitiveness and internal cohesion while maintaining openness to global partners. Under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” the Cypriot Presidency aims to advance key priorities including security and defence cooperation, migration and asylum reform, economic competitiveness, support for Ukraine, and negotiations on the…

EMSA publishes safety studies on hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has launched two reports in its study series on the safety of hydrogen and ammonia as fuels in shipping, developed to support stakeholders in the sustainable transition of the wider maritime industry. The study on hydrogen analyses its characteristics, safety hazards, system threats and risks, and includes reliability and safety analyses of equipment, hazard identification for generic hydrogen fuel systems, as well as risk analyses of generic system designs…

EU launches RecFishing app as part of new EU Fisheries Control Regulation implementation

New measures on marine recreational fishing start to apply in 2026 based on the last reform of the Fisheries Control Regulation. 22 coastal EU countries will be required to collect catch data for certain species and fish populations caught in recreational fishing at sea. To support coastal countries in implementing new requirements, the EU has developed and made available a common digital system. On 9 January, the EU Commission launched a digital solution called RecFishing…

EBI welcomes new members during General Assembly boot Düsseldorf and approves new strategy

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…

International Breakfast Meeting 2026 draws full house at boot Düsseldorf

The 11th International Breakfast Meeting, organised by EBI in collaboration with boot Düsseldorf, brought together industry leaders to discuss how to future-proof boat manufacturing in Europe. With attendance capped at around 200 participants, the meeting was oversubscribed for the first time, underlining the strong demand for a focused exchange on market outlook, competitiveness and strategy. The programme opened with reflections from boot Düsseldorf Director Petros Michelidakis and EBI President Robert Marx on the sector’s resilience…

Blue Innovation Dock: Turning European Dialogue into Action

The Blue Innovation Dock (BID) at boot Düsseldorf 2026 once again confirmed its role as a key European platform where the boating industry engages directly with policymakers, innovators and stakeholders on the future of the sector. More than a series of sessions, bid provided a space to connect European policy developments with the practical realities of companies, marinas and nautical tourism actors. Discussions throughout the week reflected the growing policy relevance of recreational boating within…

EBI response submitted on the review of the Concessions Directive

A contribution was submitted to the EU public consultation on the review of the Concessions Directive (part of the larger review of EU public procurement legislation=, setting out sector priorities for marinas, yards and other marine businesses operating under concessions on public land. The paper recalls the scale of nautical tourism and recreational boating in Europe and underlines the role of marinas and marine businesses as essential infrastructure for access to the water, regional tourism…

Finnboat - Northern Europe’s biggest boating show takes place in Helsinki

Northern Europe’s biggest boating show takes place in Helsinki together with first Baltic Sea Boating ForumThe Helsinki International Boat Show presents around 400 boats as well as accessories and equipment for boating, fishing, and water activities. In addition, Vene 26 Båt offers approximately 500 lectures and performances, and this year also features an interesting programme in English. The show will be held on 6–15 February 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The Finnish…

The first Baltic Sea Boating Forum

European Boating Industry (EBI) will officially launch the inaugural Baltic Sea Boating Forum at the Helsinki International Boat Show, marking the start of a new platform for dialogue between the boating industry, policymakers and stakeholders on the future of boating the Baltic Sea with a strong focus on bridging environmental responsibility and the region’s boating success story. The first Baltic Sea Boating Forum will take place on Friday, 13 February at 14.00. Speakers are Sari…

TEcoNaut: 2025 — A Year of Progress, Collaboration and Green Innovation

2025 has marked a key milestone for TEcoNaut, the EU-funded project supporting implemented by EBI and partners to support the green transition of the sector through skills development and innovation. Throughout the year, project partners have strengthened engagement with industry stakeholders, notably at international events such as boot Düsseldorf and the Palma International Boat Show, while consolidating insights from companies, educators and experts on the skills needed for more sustainable boatbuilding. At the heart of…