Held in Berlin in November 2025, the EFTTA Angling Summit once again confirmed its role as a key strategic meeting point for the European angling sector, bringing together industry leaders, associations, scientists and policy experts on the eve of Angelwelt Berlin.
Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition, the 2025 Summit offered a full day of open dialogue, high-level insights and targeted networking, followed by an exclusive Dinner & Networking Night. The event underlined the Summit’s unique positioning as a bridge between the tackle trade, recreational angling and EU-level policy discussions.
As Gerard Bakkenes, President of the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA), highlighted: "The Summit has become a place where industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders can openly exchange views on sustainability, innovation and the future of recreational angling – a role that is increasingly important in a fast-changing regulatory and market environment".
A Programme Focused on the Future of Recreational Angling
The Summit opened with a strategic outlook from the EFTTA Board, setting the scene for a programme addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the fishing tackle trade, with a strong focus on digital data, regulation, imports and sustainability.
Industry Outlook, Participation & Market Resilience
Early sessions focused on market resilience and participation, bringing together perspectives from both tackle trade associations and Europe-wide angling organisations, represented by the European Anglers Alliance (EAA).
Discussions underlined a shared priority across the sector: retaining existing anglers while attracting new ones. Strengthening participation was repeatedly highlighted as a key driver for sustainable demand, innovation and long-term growth.
Science, Fisheries Management & Digital Data
Scientific insights on harvest slots, big fish protection and innovative research methods illustrated how science increasingly shapes fisheries management debates. For the tackle trade, this reinforced the need to actively contribute to discussions where biological data, angler behaviour and socio-economic impacts intersect.
A central theme of the Summit was also the growing importance of digital data in EU recreational fisheries, in particular the rollout of the EU Recreational Fishing App and the opportunities that data collection offers the industry. Presentations highlighted the journey from co-design to implementation, as well as the challenge of moving from regulation to reliable, trusted data in practice.
For the tackle trade, the message was clear: digital catch and effort data will increasingly inform EU policy decisions. Industry engagement is therefore essential to ensure that data systems are workable, trusted by anglers, and complemented by robust socio-economic information.
Trade Pressure, Imports & Customs Reform
Trade competitiveness featured prominently, with a professional presentation and discussions on the surge of low-cost imports from China, as well as insights into the EU Customs Reform and market safeguard instruments, highlighting the growing importance of fair competition and enforcement.
These sessions highlighted how fair competition, enforcement and level playing fields are becoming critical issues for the tackle trade in the years ahead.
Regulation, Compliance & Sustainability
EU regulation was another recurring theme. Updates on lead restrictions in fishing tackle and the availability of alternatives illustrated the need for proportionate and technically feasible solutions.
Industry case studies on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and line-recycling initiatives demonstrated how tackle companies are already translating regulatory requirements into concrete action, innovation and responsibility.
Economic Value, Tourism & Cross-Sector Synergies
Later sessions broadened the perspective, highlighting the economic value of angling and boating, fishing tourism strategies, and the contribution of recreational angling to wellbeing and regional development.
These discussions reinforced the importance of cross-sector cooperation and of positioning angling as a positive economic and social force at European level.
Looking Ahead – Save the Date
The Angling Summit 2025 once again demonstrated that the fishing tackle industry is operating in an environment shaped by digitalisation, regulation, trade pressure and rising sustainability expectations – where healthy aquatic ecosystems and the smart use of modern technologies are increasingly key to the sector’s long-term viability.
EFTTA will continue to follow these topics closely throughout the year and is exploring the organisation of dedicated online seminars, allowing members to dive deeper into key issues such as digital data, EU regulation and trade developments.
And if you missed this year’s edition: don’t miss out next time!
Preparations are already underway for the next EFTTA Angling Summit, which will take place on 26 November 2026, once again in Berlin and on the day before AngelWelt Berlin opens its doors. We look forward to welcoming the industry back for another day of strategic exchange, inspiration and networking.
Finally, a big thank you to the Angelwelt Berlin team for the excellent organisation, strong support and perfect setting, which once again made the EFTTA Angling Summit possible.
We look forward to seeing you next year – same place, same spirit!
Save the date:
ANGLING SUMMIT 2026 – 26 November 2026
More:
=> Meet the keynote speakers of the EFTTA Angling Summit 2025
=> Tackle Trade World: EFTTA Angling Summit delivers once more
