The decision comes at a “crucial moment,” as Europe’s textile and clothing industry faces rising costs, intensifying global competition, and a growing challenge in transitioning to sustainability and digitalisation.
Machado, a graduate in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, had first assumed the role of EURATEX president in June 2024.
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For the coming term, Machado has outlined three main goals.
1. Competitiveness
Mario Jorge Machado said competitiveness should be the basis of industrial policy, arguing that it is a precondition for investment, innovation, sustainability and strategic autonomy. He indicated he will focus on measures aimed at improving the business environment for textile companies, including support for investment in automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, skills and innovation, particularly for SMEs.
2. Level playing field
He also highlighted the need for uniform rules for all products sold in the EU, not only those manufactured in the bloc. He pointed to stronger market surveillance, tighter border checks and more effective monitoring of imports sold through online platforms, to address concerns about products entering the market without meeting EU safety, environmental and consumer requirements.
3. Managing the transition
A third priority is ensuring the green and digital transition does not weaken European industry. Machado said sustainability should contribute to competitiveness, and called for realistic regulation, affordable energy, workable implementation and targeted support to help companies adapt. He also referenced measures to stimulate demand for sustainable European-made textiles, including public procurement and feasible transparency tools.
Mario Jorge Machado said: “My priority for this new mandate is clear: to strengthen the competitiveness of our industry, ensure that the same rules apply to all products sold in Europe, and support our companies through the green and digital transition. Europe must decarbonise its industry, not deindustrialise it.”
The General Assembly also named the members of the EURATEX Presidency Team who will assist Machado. These include Franz Peter Falke from T+M, Germany, Barbara Cimmino from Confindustria Moda, Italy, Ismail Kolunsag from IHKIB, Türkiye and Grégory Marchand from UIT, France.
