Here’s a summary of the ERA General Meeting minutes from 2014 to 2024
General themes
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
