On December 6, 2024, Polish textile industry representatives adopted the Warsaw Declaration, committing to strengthen the sector's competitiveness amid global challenges. The agreement emerged from a two-day meeting in Warsaw under the EU-funded StitchTogether project, which promotes social partnerships in the European textiles and clothing industry.

Poland’s textiles sector, employing 130,000 workers across 20,000 mostly small and medium enterprises, faces mounting pressures from global competition and price volatility. The Warsaw Declaration sets out priorities to navigate the industry’s digital and green transitions while ensuring resilience, decent jobs, and sustainability.

Key stakeholders, including employer associations, trade unions, education institutions, and government representatives, called for upgraded industrial strategies to attract a skilled workforce and sustain the sector.

Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of IndustriAll Europe, stressed the importance of collaboration during periods of transition. She highlighted that social dialogue is essential for managing change, particularly as the textile industry shifts toward sustainability. Kirton-Darling emphasized that this transition must protect existing jobs while also creating new, decent employment opportunities. She called for a Just Transition, underpinned by a sectoral industrial policy, to ensure no worker is left behind.

Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of Euratex, emphasized the strategic opportunity presented by Poland’s upcoming EU presidency. He called for action on energy costs and fair competition, noting that Polish companies are seeking practical solutions rather than additional regulations to enhance their competitiveness.

The meeting reinforced a collective vision for Poland’s textiles industry, leveraging its rich heritage to adapt and thrive in a sustainable future. Stakeholders now call on the Polish government to support their roadmap for innovation and resilience.