One year after the Antwerp Declaration, 400 business leaders gathered with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the Clean Industrial Deal. The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s industrial base, but industry leaders stressed the need for immediate action to safeguard manufacturing.
Representing 200,000 textile companies and 1.3 million workers, Euratex supports the Clean Industrial Deal but warns that without swift measures, the European textile sector faces serious risks. High energy costs, complex regulations, and unfair competition from imports that bypass EU standards threaten its survival.
Euratex President Mario Jorge Machado highlighted these challenges, stating, “Our industry is in crisis. We need a level playing field, particularly against online platforms ignoring quality and sustainability rules.”
Addressing Climate Commissioner Hoekstra, Machado stressed that Europe accounts for less than 10 per cent of global textile carbon dioxide emissions but enforces strict sustainability laws while unsustainable imports dominate. “Without fair competition, we are outsourcing pollution while shutting down European factories,” he warned.
To safeguard the textile sector, Euratex emphasized four key priorities within the Clean Industrial Deal. Ensuring stable and competitively priced energy through an Affordable Energy Plan is crucial to retaining textile production and securing jobs. Public Procurement Reform should prioritize EU-made, sustainable textiles in government tenders, fostering demand for responsible production.
A dedicated Competitiveness Fund is essential to support SMEs by providing financial aid for innovation, workforce training, and technological advancements. Additionally, Fair Trade Partnerships must be reinforced to uphold environmental and social standards in global trade agreements, ensuring a level playing field for European manufacturers.
Machado also urged action to drive demand for sustainable textiles. “Sustainability cannot be a burden only on manufacturers. Consumers and public procurement must be incentivized to choose eco-friendly products,” he said.
Euratex calls on the European Commission and EU member states to act swiftly. “Factories are closing, and jobs are at stake,” Machado warned. “We need concrete measures now to secure the future of the European textile industry.”
