At boot Düsseldorf (17-25 January 2026), EFTTA partner European Boating Industry (EBI) brought together industry, innovators and policymakers at the blue innovation dock, creating an inspiring space for dialogue on the future of sustainable boating and tourism in Europe.
The programme opened with a video address by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, who highlighted the importance of boating and nautical tourism for Europe’s economy and communities. He underlined the sector’s role in delivering high-value tourism, supporting jobs, and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable European tourism model.
EFTTA was represented by Gerard Bakkenes who delivered a keynote entitled “Stronger together: Collaboration between Boating and Angling”. His intervention emphasised how closer cooperation between the boating and angling sectors can strengthen our shared voice, support sustainability on the water, and help ensure that EU policies reflect the needs of recreational water users.
EBI’s presence at boot Düsseldorf highlighted the value of working across sectors. For EFTTA, the close partnership with EBI is an important part of building constructive dialogue with EU institutions and shaping a positive, forward-looking future for recreational boating and angling in Europe.
Gerard Bakkenes: "We were pleased to contribute to these discussions and to reconnect with partners and policymakers in Düsseldorf. Collaboration across our sectors remains key to making our shared voice heard at European level".
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