Brussels, 17 October 2018
Today, the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) and the European Federation of Sporting Goods Retail Associations (FEDAS) have signed a Cooperation Agreement that will support both organizations in creating new operational and political cooperation schemes. This Agreement marks a new step in the collaboration between the two associations and will bring mutual benefits to their respective members, as well as strengthen the representativeness of the sporting goods sector in Europe.
The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) and the European Federation of Sporting Goods Retail Associations (FEDAS) are long-standing partners, already cooperating in some areas of common interest. The Agreement signed today aims to further strengthen this cooperation by creating a long term framework agreement based on a restricted number of policy areas, in particular: digital, health, physical activity, and intellectual property. In addition, FESI and FEDAS will also collaborate on some additional case-by-case projects based on the strategic mid to long term, like for instance specific EU projects or grants.
“As the unique organization representing the legitimate interests of the sporting goods brands and retailers in Europe we are always looking for valuable partners that can help us support the growth and competitiveness of our entire sector.” says Frank Dassler, FESI’s President. “Our industry is facing many exciting opportunities and tough challenges ahead. Therefore, more than ever, it is crucial for our sector to unite and speak with one voice.” he added.
Thanks to the re-enforced collaboration Agreement, FEDAS will be able to mandate representatives to take part in the work of FESI Steering Committees such as Trade, Industry Operations, Digitalization, Corporate Responsibility, and Sport Business. The Agreement will also reinforce FEDAS participation on physical activity and sport promotion related work carried out by FESI in coordination with the European Institutions as well as other relevant stakeholders.
The recently appointed Managing President of FEDAS, Michael Nendwich, explained this move: “Thanks to this comprehensive and precise Agreement, our Federation will be able to have a say in some of the developing topics for our industry, such as textile labeling, e-commerce, circular economy, Brexit, and the reduction of trade barriers.” Indeed, the new partnership will also support FEDAS political presence and advocacy activities towards the European institutions through the organization of joint meetings and the possibility for FEDAS to take an active part in some relevant political conferences.
Last but not least, FEDAS will now have a programmed access to FESI’s key services, among which:
– Market Intelligence
– Regulatory Guidance in EU legislation
– EU projects/funds
– Communication
– Networking
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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 Communication Officer / [email protected] /+32 274 08 94
