Social partners from Italy’s textile and fashion industry gathered in Rome on 19-20 February 2025 to discuss upcoming EU legislations and their impact on the sector. The event, part of the EU co-funded StitchTogether project, also led to the drafting of the Rome Declaration, reinforcing their commitment to a stronger social dialogue.
The meeting brought together Confindustria Moda, national trade unions (Femca-Cisl, Filctem-Cgil, Uiltec-Uil), regional clusters, and businesses. They focused on a sectoral industrial policy strategy aimed at strengthening Italy’s textile-clothing supply chain, which they plan to present to the Italian Government and the EU Commission.
The Rome Declaration outlines key priorities, including competitiveness, fair labor conditions, skills development, regional growth, and a just transition. It also calls on policymakers to support the industry's transformation amid green and digital shifts.
Judith Kirton-Darling, IndustriAll Europe’s general secretary, emphasized Italy’s significance, noting it employs 300,000 workers 24 per cent of Europe’s textile workforce. She highlighted social dialogue as a key tool to ensure job security and better working conditions.
Euratex Director General Dirk Vantyghem underscored Italy’s role, contributing 36 per cent of Europe’s textile and fashion industry. He stressed the need for a strong, innovative Italian sector as a model for Europe, where employers and workers collaborate to drive quality and creativity.
With global challenges ahead, Italy’s textile industry aims to lead the EU’s transformation with a united, forward-thinking approach.
