17 March 2026

Bringing you up to speed with key policy developments shaping the sector across Europe.

EBI webinar to provide guidance on EU Deforestation Regulation

British Marine members are invited to the upcoming EBI regulatory guidance webinar on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), taking place on Wednesday 22 April at 3:00 pm, CEST. The session forms part of EBI’s wider work to support the recreational boating industry with practical guidance on important EU legislation affecting the sector and its supply chains.

The EUDR introduces new due diligence requirements to ensure that products placed on the EU market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. As materials such as wood and rubber are used across the boating industry, the regulation is likely to be relevant for a wide range of businesses. The webinar will provide an overview of what the regulation means in practice, the implementation timeline and the main steps companies should begin considering.

The session is being organised together with Cattwyk, a law firm specialising in trade and sustainability. The agenda will cover an introduction to the EUDR, timeline and next steps, industry-specific case studies and a Q&A session.

Members interested in understanding the possible implications for their business are encouraged to join the webinar here.

EBI invited to Stakeholder Dialogue on Tourism with Commissioner Tzitzikostas

EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill took part in a high-level dialogue in Brussels with Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas on the forthcoming European Sustainable Tourism Strategy.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas, responsible for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, brought together leading tourism representatives to discuss how to maintain Europe’s global tourism leadership, better reflect tourism across EU policies, reduce unnecessary red tape and support local businesses. He confirmed that the first European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism will be presented in June and invited stakeholders to submit concrete proposals with clear targets and stronger links between tourism, transport and mobility. As many of the themes under discussion, from visitor mobility to infrastructure and coastal destinations, have a broader European relevance, the exchange is also of interest to stakeholders beyond the EU.

At the meeting, nautical tourism was presented as a major part of Europe’s tourism offer, with around 48 million people taking part in water sports each year, up to 20,000 marinas, more than 6.5 million boats, 32,000 mostly SME businesses and over 280,000 jobs, generating an estimated turnover above €45 billion. The discussion highlighted three main priorities for the future strategy: investment in infrastructure to support decarbonisation and growth, less fragmented and burdensome rules affecting the mobility of boaters and workers, and better recognition of active tourism such as boating and water sports. Europe’s coastline, inland waterways and maritime heritage were also underlined as key strengths for tourism development, with relevance for the wider recreational marine sector across the region.

Further input will now be provided to the EU Commission to help ensure that boating, marinas and nautical tourism are reflected in the strategy and its implementation. EBI will monitor the developments of the strategy closely, as future EU tourism and mobility policy will influence the wider European environment for nautical businesses and destinations.

EBI responds to EU Commission call for evidence on European Ocean Act

EBI submitted a response to the EU Commission’s public call for evidence on the European Ocean Act. In parallel, the EU Commission also invited EBI to reply to a more detailed survey for selected stakeholders, reflecting the importance of recreational boating and nautical tourism in the discussions.

EBI’s response focuses on access to coasts and waters as a basic condition for water-based activities and for the sector’s ability to operate and grow, at a time when competition for sea space is increasing. It calls for the European Ocean Act to address this through the revision of the maritime spatial planning framework and through better coordination across borders and sea basins.

EBI supports keeping effective elements of the current Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, while proposing changes to make sure recreational boating and water sports are properly considered. This includes treating access to the sea for citizens as a core objective, introducing a clearer category for recreational and sporting activities alongside tourism, and using maritime spatial planning more consistently to anticipate infrastructure and connectivity needs, including for marinas and yards.

The response also stresses that SME-focused sectors need to be properly represented in decision-making structures, and that simplification and reduced administrative burden should guide the revision process. Finally, it supports efforts to improve ocean observation governance and streamline reporting through standardised approaches and digital tools, provided requirements remain proportionate and practical for end users.

The response and all EBI position papers can be found on the EBI website.

About EBI

European Boating Industry - EBI represents the recreational boating and nautical tourism industry in Europe. EBI is made up of the national associations representing the recreational boating industry, in addition to several individual organisations as sustaining members. EBI's mission is to advance and represent a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry #MadeInEurope. More information about EBI can be found on europeanboatingindustry.eu.