EBI welcomes new members at Barcelona general assembly

The European Boating Industry (EBI) held its biannual general assembly in Barcelona yesterday (11 June 2024).

Hosted by the Spanish member, Asociación Nacional de Empresas Nauticas (ANEN), in collaboration with the Marina Port Vell, the Port of Barcelona and MB92, this event set the stage for discussions and strategic partnerships for the future of the boating industry in Europe. Turkey, Croatia, and ADAC joined EBI.

Members had the opportunity to visit some key nautical sites in the city, including MB92 Superyacht Refit, the America’s Cup base and Marina Port Vell.

EBI, founded in 2009, is marking its 15th anniversary. It has grown to encompass 28 members representing thousands of companies in the recreational boating industry.

A highlight of the assembly was welcoming new full and sustaining members. The Turkish Yacht & Boat Industry Association (YATED) and the Nautical Sector of the Croatian Employer’s Association (CEA) joined EBI as full members. Additionally, the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) joined EBI as a sustaining member.

“Barcelona provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s general assembly, showing the importance of our industry in supporting the city’s rich maritime heritage and a dynamic environment for the boating industry ,” says EBI president, Robert Marx (pictured left).

“We are thrilled to welcome our new members from Turkey, Croatia, and the ADAC, whose inclusion will strengthen our collective voice and enhance our ability to advocate for the industry’s interests at the European level.”

Murat Bekiroglu, President of YATED adds: “I am enchanted and very proud of our incorporation in the European Boating Industry, whose strategy prioritises sustainability, changes in consumer needs and demands, and digitalisation, which are the principal and primary aspects of our organisation, YATED, as well as the keen ambition towards achieving the highest standards in our industry.

“Turkey, having an exceptionally energetic and fast-growing marine industry, and matchless nautical tourism potential, has undoubtedly too much to add to and get from the EBI. I see immense opportunities which will arise from our collaboration with the EBI.”

Romano Piculjan, President of CEA, comments: “We want to achieve the most favourable legislative framework for our members and Croatian nautical industry in general. Better visibility and promotion of boating industry, ecology and environmental protection has become one of the most important topics for our association. Joining EBI is important for us, not only because we share the same goals but also because of better and easier global activities for our members and connections with the European Boating Industry.

Karlheinz Jungbeck, tourism president of ADAC, adds: “We are looking forward to a successful sponsoring membership of the ADAC in the EBI. This will enable our two associations to work together even more effectively at the European level and advance important issues such as the establishment of the circular economy in the boating industry or the universal mutual recognition of recreational boating licences in EU countries and beyond.”

The general assembly gathered members to discuss topics including a post-EU election recap, its engagement plan with new EU institutions, and updates on EU affairs.

EBI says these topics fostered “meaningful dialogue and collaboration to promote the boating sector’s growth and sustainability.”