EURATEX and IndustriALL Europe issue a joint statement calling for urgent EU-level action to protect the textile industry, jobs, and competitiveness.
The European textiles and clothing sector, a cornerstone of the continent’s industrial heritage and economic vitality, is at a critical crossroads. With 192,000 companies and 1.3 million workers contributing €167 billion annually, the sector faces mounting pressure from global competition, exploitative fast fashion models, and the challenges of the green and digital transitions.
To safeguard Europe’s industrial know-how, jobs, and competitiveness, EURATEX and IndustriAll Europe, representing employers and workers respectively, have issued a joint statement urging immediate EU-level action.
Key demands from European social partners
- Level the global playing field: End unfair competition and fast fashion practices that undermine social sustainability.
- Promote sustainable consumption: Launch awareness campaigns and incentivize EU-made, ethically produced garments.
- Ensure energy security: Provide affordable, clean energy access for SMEs and workers to support a just transition.
- Design with transparency: Make Ecodesign and Digital Product Passport frameworks SME- and consumer-friendly, with social partner involvement.
- Invest in people: Attract, train, and reskill workers through VET, apprenticeships, and fair working conditions.
- Coordinate for fairness: Align regional and national policies with social dialogue to ensure no worker or region is left behind.
Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of EURATEX: “We need a more assertive European industrial strategy, one that doubles down on investment in innovation and protects our economy from unfair global competition.”
A future built on social dialogue
Transformation must not come at the cost of workers or industrial integrity. EURATEX and IndustriAll Europe reaffirm their commitment to quality social dialogue and collective bargaining, ensuring the sector evolves sustainably and equitably.
Europe’s textiles and clothing industry is ready to lead, but it needs the right policy framework to thrive. The time to act is now.