Robert Marx has been elected president of European Boating Industry (EBI) for his second mandate.
His re-appointment took place at the EBI’s General Assembly, hosted by the German Marine Federation (VMWD).
This year, EBI also has two new full members: ACAP APICAN, representing Portugal, and Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance, representing French marinas have joined the EBI which now represents 32 members across 21 European countries.
Slovenian Marine Industry Association (SMIA) under the new leadership of Matjaž Murko, president and CEO of MennYacht Group, is also rejoining the association as a member.
For the next two years, the association will be led by Robert Marx as president (VMWD/Germany), with vice-president and treasurer Anne-Marie Bouweraerts (Nautibel/Belgium) and vice-president Jean-Paul Chapeleau (FIN/France).
I look forward to working with the newly elected Council.
Robert Marx
Council members elected were: Jordi Carrasco Abad (ANEN/Spain), Mirek Hajdukiewicz (POLBOAT/Poland), Jeroen van den Heuvel (HISWA-RECRON/ The Netherlands), Ana Calic (CEA/ Croatia), and Jarkko Pajusalo (FINNBOAT/Finland), with Fabio Planamente (Confindustria Nautica/Italy) appointed as special representative for the large yacht sector.
Vice-chair Piero Formenti (Confindustria Nautica/Italy) has left the Council.
“We are delighted to welcome ACAP-APICAN and Fédération Française Ports de Plaisance into our growing family,” said Robert Marx, president of EBI.
“Their contributions and expertise will strengthen our collective advocacy and provide valuable perspectives on marina development and the boating value chain.”
He added: “As I begin my new two-year mandate as president, I look forward to working with the newly elected Council to drive forward EBI’s core priorities—supporting sustainability, growth and industrial competitiveness in our sector.
Recreational boating
“With key EU policy developments ahead, we are committed to ensuring that recreational boating is recognised as strategic and EU policy strengthens not restrains our businesses.
“Our cooperation on Life Cycle Assessment in the Blue Boat Horizon project and events will drive forward our mission.
“With new opportunities and challenges ahead, EBI is more committed than ever to being a strong, united voice for our sector at the European level.”
At the General Assembly, members also reflected on the evolving global trade landscape and its implications for the recreational boating industry.
Topics included the current economic outlook, consumer expectations in a changing market.
Discussions also included how the industry can diversify trade relationships, strengthen Europe’s internal market, and respond to shifting demands.
