The European Apparel and Textile Organisation (Euratex), along with IndustriAll Europe, representing garment workers across the continent, has raised critical concerns regarding the EU’s efforts to protect the fashion and textile sectors.
In a collective statement directed at the EU, both organizations emphasize the need for immediate revisions to industrial policies that support the transformation of the sector without compromising the welfare of workers or the integrity of European industry. They contend that it is essential to protect the fashion and textile sectors in light of increasing global competition and exploitative fast fashion practices.
Dirk Vantyghem, the director general of Euratex, articulated the sector’s position, saying, “We need a more assertive European industrial strategy, one that doubles down on investment in innovation and protects our economy from unfair global competition.”
The textiles and clothing industry in Europe finds itself at a critical point. Comprising 192,000 enterprises and employing around 1.3 million individuals, this sector generates a significant €167 billion ($193.24 billion) annually. However, it is under substantial pressure from global competitors, the rising influence of fast fashion, and the demands of a green and digital transition.
Euratex and IndustriAll Europe outlined several essential demands to protect the fashion and textile sectors:
- Level the Global Playing Field: Address unfair competition and the detrimental effects of fast fashion on social sustainability.
- Promote Sustainable Consumption: Launch initiatives that raise awareness and encourage consumers to choose EU-made, ethically produced garments.
- Ensure Energy Security: Provide affordable and clean energy solutions to support SMEs and workers for a fair transition.
- Design with Transparency: Make the Ecodesign and Digital Product Passport frameworks accessible to SMEs and consumers, while involving social partners in the process.
- Invest in People: Focus on attracting, training, and reskilling the workforce through vocational education and training (VET), apprenticeships, and equitable working conditions.
- Coordinate for Fairness: Align regional and national policies through social dialogue to ensure no worker or region is left behind.
The statement underscored the importance of social dialogue in facilitating a transition toward a more sustainable and digital industry while ensuring competitiveness in a cutthroat global market.
In closing, it stated, “IndustriAll Europe, Euratex, and their members will continue to engage in quality social dialogue and to respect collective bargaining in accordance with European and national practices. The European social partners will continue to work together to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the industry and its workers.”
