In a joint statement to the EU, Euratex and Industriall Europe have called for immediate action to ensure the European industrial policy is fit for purpose and enables the sector to transform without negatively impacting workers or European industry.

Euratex director general Dirk Vantyghem explained: “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 two organisations noted the European textiles and clothing sector is at a critical crossroads. With 192,000 companies and 1.3m workers contributing €167bn ($193.24bn) annually, the sector faces mounting pressure from global competition, exploitative fast fashion models, and the challenges of the green and digital transitions.

Euratex and Industriall Europe's fashion and textile sector demands to the EU

• Level the global playing field: end unfair competition and fast fashion practices that undermine social sustainability
• Promote sustainable consumption: launch awareness campaigns and incentivise 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.

The statement noted social dialogue is crucial to ensure the European textiles and clothing sector can transform into a more sustainable and digital industry, while also remaining competitive on a fierce global market.

It added: "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."