The European Fishing Tackle & Trade Association (EFTTA) is a Brussels-based non-profit lobbying organization representing the interests of the European recreational angling industry and the tackle trade. Established in 1981 in London, it relocated its headquarters to Brussels in 2021 to engage directly with EU institutions. EFTTA’s core mission is to safeguard and promote the recreational angling sector, comprising manufacturers, importers/exporters, wholesalers, agents, press, and related trade groups.
As a trade association, EFTTA actively lobbies on EU policies impacting fisheries and the angling industry, such as the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), Water Framework Directive (WFD), and the European Green Deal. It also focuses on biodiversity, invasive species control, chemicals regulation (REACH, RoHS), and sustainable development aligned with the EU’s environmental strategies. The association promotes responsible angling practices, nature conservation, and habitat restoration in cooperation with anglers and industry stakeholders.
EFTTA operates within the EU Transparency Register since 2009 and participates in sector-related forums like RECFISH and the Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, providing secretarial support jointly with the European Anglers Alliance. Its communication and advocacy efforts, including the #ProtectWater campaign, aim to influence policy and raise public awareness on environmental and legislative issues relevant to recreational fisheries.
Since becoming registered in Brussels, EFTTA has strengthened its network, recently welcoming Decathlon as a member, marking growing industry collaboration. Its lobbying scope is wide-ranging though centered on safeguarding the tackle trade’s future under evolving EU environmental and industrial frameworks, maintaining a balance between economic interests and sustainable marine resource management.
