The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) has expressed its support for recent actions taken by the European Parliament, aimed at addressing a “broken” system within the EU textile industry.
Last week, the Parliament approved a resolution advocating for improved market surveillance, tighter customs controls, and quicker enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) for non-compliance cases. This marks a pivotal recognition that enforcement must align with the scale of challenges present in the industry.
This vote followed extensive advocacy by Euratex and its members, which included condemning ultra-fast fashion in Paris, promoting fair and safe e-commerce, and conducting discussions with Commission officials alongside consumer, retail, and trade union representatives.
While strides have been made, new complexities are surfacing. Postal services in nations like Poland, France, and Italy are collaborating with online platforms such as Temu to expedite package deliveries that often evade EU regulations. This scenario complicates the competitive landscape for European businesses adhering to the rules while potentially endangering consumer safety.
Recent industry statistics reflect these ongoing struggles. In the first half of 2025, European textile production dropped by 1.9%, and clothing production decreased by 5%. Employment within the textile sector saw a reduction of up to 5%, while clothing-related jobs declined by 3%. In contrast, imports surged—textile imports rose by 7.7%, and clothing imports increased by 12.3%, alongside a decline in European exports.
Euratex warns that without decisive and coordinated action from Member States and EU institutions, Europe’s standards risk becoming “meaningless,” posing a threat to a critical industrial ecosystem.
To tackle these issues, Euratex is advocating for the removal of de minimis exemptions, ensuring that customs and value-added tax (VAT) regulations apply uniformly to all imports and that safety standards are enforced on all products. They are also calling for faster enforcement of the Digital Services Act to prevent foreign ultra-fast fashion companies from gaining an unfair edge.
Euratex President Mario Jorge Machado stated, “We welcome the European Parliament’s vote, but the real test starts today. Member States and the EU need to accelerate the adoption of necessary tools and legislation to restore a level playing field and maintain a competitive European textile industry.” Through these efforts, the push for EU textile industry reform continues, aiming for a more equitable and sustainable future.
