Representatives from the European Commission, the European Boating Industry (EBI), and the Belgian EU Presidency came together for a conference on Tuesday, March 19th, at the Egmont Palace in Brussels to discuss the pressing issue of end-of-life recreational boats.
The Irish Marine Federation is a member of the European Boating Industry.
The conference brought together a variety of stakeholders, including industry representatives, policymakers, and related sectors, to underscore the urgency of cooperation in addressing this critical issue.
Opening speeches were given by Georges Gilkinet, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mobility, Delilah Al Khudhairy, Director for Maritime Policy and the Blue Economy at the European Commission, and Robert Marx, President of EBI. The conference highlighted the importance of continued joint efforts between the private and public sectors to drive meaningful change.
Various perspectives were presented, highlighting the complexity of the issue, including financial and legal frameworks, technical advancements in recycling, and environmental impact assessment.
The conference recognised the role of innovation in addressing environmental challenges in the boating industry, as presented in the EU Roadmap on the implementation of the circular economy for end-of-life recreational boats. Ongoing research and innovation in composite materials and life cycle analysis will play a vital role in supporting a circular approach to boat-building and reducing its environmental footprint.
Robert Marx, President of EBI, emphasised the need for concrete action: "As we move forward, it is imperative that the momentum generated by this conference translates into concrete action. The implementation of the EU Roadmap must be the key next step after the approaching EU elections. Industry is ready, the technology is ready and we now need to set up the regulatory framework to make it happen. We are delighted to have the support of the European Commission and Belgian Council Presidency in this endeavour".
Overall, the conference marked a pivotal moment in addressing the pressing issue of end-of-life recreational boats, highlighting the readiness of technology and the willingness of industry to collaborate in creating a robust European regulatory framework.
