ERA Conferences


Here’s a summary of the ERA General Meeting minutes from 2014 to 2024

General themes

  1. Membership growth and adjustments:
    • Regular additions of new member organizations, with notable expansions in 2018 and 2023.
    • Occasional exclusions due to non-cooperation or financial reasons, with examples like Harzklub e.V. (Germany) and Comité Régional Hauts-de-France (France) departing in 2024.
  2. Financial updates:
    • Fluctuations in budget due to project funding, partnerships, and operational costs.
    • Significant deficits reported in some years, mitigated by Erasmus+ and other funding.
    • Annual adjustments in membership fees linked to inflation rates were introduced starting in 2024.
  3. Strategic developments:
    • Introduction of new programs, including “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” (LQT-BE) for Day Walks and Regions.
    • Enhanced focus on digitalization, sustainability, and partnerships with European bodies.
    • Emphasis on E-paths as a symbol of European unity, with 78% of paths now verified.
  4. Working groups (WGs):
    • Expansion and restructuring of WGs to focus on specific areas like E-paths, walk leader training, aqua walking, and communication.
    • Regular reviews and updates on group activities, including webinars and training courses.
  5. Projects and partnerships:
    • Successful Erasmus+ projects, with new initiatives like PATH and CONNECT approved in 2024.
    • Continued partnerships with Deutscher Wanderverband Service GmbH (DWS), Kompass-Karten GmbH, and European Mountaineering Associations (EUMA).
    • Active participation in Council of Europe initiatives like Cultural Routes.
  6. Event highlights:
    • Annual Eurorando events and promotions for E-path anniversaries.
    • European Walking Day launched with annual themes to promote outdoor activities.
    • 3rd European Trails and Paths Conference planned for November 2024 in Paris.
  7. Governance:
    • Updates to the ERA Constitution to align with tax regulations and improve operational flexibility.
    • Introduction of a deputy auditor position in 2024 to enhance oversight.

Year-by-Year highlights

2014-2017

  • ERA’s focus was on consolidating its structure and expanding its reach.
  • Key partnerships with Kompass and regional organizations were solidified.
  • Initial stages of LQT-BE certification and enhanced E-path promotion.

2018-2020

  • Growth in membership, including organizations from Luxembourg, Latvia, and Russia.
  • Financial challenges managed through careful budget adjustments and Erasmus+ funds.
  • Launch of the “European Walking Day” and new LQT-BE pilot projects.

2021-2023

  • Significant digitalization initiatives, including website enhancements and data collection.
  • Introduction of LQT-BE Day Walks and Regions certifications.
  • Emphasis on E-path anniversaries, such as E9 in 2023, with celebrations and stakeholder engagement.

2024

  • Rebranding initiative with the adoption of “European Hiking Federation” as the English name.
  • Expansion of membership with two new organizations from Albania and Romania.
  • Strategic focus on sustainable trail development, including Green Trails criteria.

Outlook for the future

  • Continued emphasis on digitalization, sustainability, and partnerships.
  • Expansion of the LQT-BE program and efforts to attract younger audiences through modern communication strategies.
  • Strengthened financial stability through increased fees, project funding, and partnerships.


Pictures from Denmark 2022, ERA 53. conference: