Brussels, 13th February 2024

The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) has released a comprehensive manifesto outlining key priorities for the upcoming European Union elections. Divided into five pillars, the document sets out comprehensive recommendations across key policy areas, stressing the need for more harmonisation and less administrative burdens for economic operators across Europe.

”The ‘FESI Playbook’ is a testament to our commitment to shaping a resilient and dynamic future for the sporting goods industry in Europe. By building policies that benefit both EU companies but also prioritise the well-being of consumers, we can collectively contribute to a future where sustainability, innovation, and economic growth harmoniously coexist”, commented Neil Narriman, FESI President. ”FESI is pleased to present this manifesto as a guiding roadmap for policymakers, willing to create a thriving environment for the development of the European sports economy”, he added.

1. Driving Sustainable Competitiveness: Under the forthcoming European mandate, FESI calls for decisive policies to support a smooth green transition within the sporting goods industry. Recommendations include eliminating internal market barriers and bureaucratic processes in Europe, facilitating access to recycled materials, promoting eco-design principles, aligning sorting instructions, labelling schemes and EPR systems but also creating incentives for sustainable practices and innovation. FESI emphasises the importance of regulatory coherence and public-private partnerships to propel the industry toward a sustainable future.
2. Fostering the Digital Age: FESI urges the European Union to lead in fostering the development of virtual worlds while ensuring a secure regulatory framework for brand owners. The Manifesto also highlights the importance of building a more robust Intellectual Property protection framework in the EU, making sur that what is illegal offline is also illegal online.
3. Paving the Way to Trade Prosperity: FESI stresses the need for newly elected Members of the European Parliament to actively deliver on the EU’s ambitious trade agenda. This includes concluding ongoing trade negotiations, engaging in open discussions with potential partners, and diversifying supply chains. FESI envisions a comprehensive approach to international trade that promotes free, fair, and sustainable trade.
4. Building a Future-Proof Product Compliance Legal Framework: While highlighting the importance of a comprehensive legislative framework for consumer protection, FESI advocates for efficiency and coherence. Towards that end, FESI strongly reaffirms its position on digital labelling, believing it to be an innovative alternative to traditional labels, capable of enhancing product safety and consumer awareness.
5. Promoting Active Lifestyles Across Europe: Recognising the crucial role of physical activity in public health, FESI calls on the EU to prioritise inclusivity in sport, breaking down barriers and actively promoting gender equality, accessibility, and empowerment in sports. The manifesto urges proactive steps in promoting safe and sustainable sport infrastructures for all.

FESI looks forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with future policy makers and hopes to see the recommendations it has put forward paving the way for a flourishing sporting goods industry.

The full manifesto can be accessed here.

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About FESI: Founded in 1960 FESI, the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry, is the unique pre-competitive platform representing the interests of the sporting goods industry in Europe, advancing its members’ priorities and promoting initiatives that benefit the sector, EU citizens and the society as a whole. FESI represents the interests of approximately 1.800 sporting goods manufacturers (85% of the European market) through its National Sporting Goods Industry Federations and its directly affiliated member companies. 70-75% of FESI’s membership is made up of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. In total, the European Sporting Goods Industry employs over 700.000 EU citizens and has an annual turnover of some 81 billion euro.

Media contact: Ariane Gatti – FESI Communication & Policy Manager / [email protected] / +32 (0) 2 762 86 48

About FESI: Founded in 1960 FESI – the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry represents the interests of approximately 1.800 sporting goods manufacturers (85% of the European market) through its National Sporting Goods Industry Federations and its directly affiliated member companies. 70-75% of FESI’s membership is made up of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. In total, the European Sporting Goods Industry employs over 700.000 EU citizens and has an annual turnover of some 81 billion euro.

Contact: Ariane Gatti, FESI Senior Communication & Policy Manager / [email protected]  / +32 274 08 94