Representing 200,000 textile companies and 1.3 million workers across Europe, EURATEX welcomes the Clean Industrial Deal as a crucial framework to support industrial competitiveness. However, today’s discussions underscored the reality that without swift and targeted action, the European textile sector will remain at serious risk. High energy prices, regulatory complexity, and unfair competition from imports that bypass EU standards are making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to stay afloat.

EURATEX President Mario Jorge Machado highlighted the industry's struggles with high energy costs and unfair competition. "European textile companies are facing a substantial crisis, combined with an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. We need a level playing field, particularly concerning online platforms that circumvent established quality and sustainability standards."

Addressing Commissioner Hoekstra, in charge of Climate, Machado declared: “We are ready to take responsibility, but if we want to save the planet, we cannot do it alone. Europe represents less than 10% of global CO? emissions in textiles—yet we are imposing strict sustainability laws on ourselves, while unsustainable imports take over the market. If we continue like this, we are simply outsourcing pollution to other regions while shutting down European factories.”

EURATEX has outlined four key priorities within the Clean Industrial Deal that must be addressed to safeguard the textile sector:

Affordable Energy Action Plan: Securing stable and competitively priced energy is essential to retain textile production in Europe and sustain employment.

Public Procurement Reform: Prioritising EU-made, sustainable textiles in public tenders will support responsible production and foster demand for innovative, eco-friendly products.

Competitiveness Fund: SMEs, which form the backbone of the textile industry, require targeted financial support to invest in new technologies, upskill their workforce, and enhance competitiveness.

Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships: To ensure fair global competition, trade agreements must uphold environmental and social standards across supply chains.

President Machado emphasises the need to stimulate demand for sustainable textile products. "We must shift the focus from solely pressuring manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices to actively incentivizing consumers and public procurers to choose sustainable options. If the cost of sustainability is not covered by the customer, it will be carried by the planet!'"

EURATEX therefore urges the European Commission and EU member states to move forward without delay in implementing a comprehensive support package for the textile industry. “Entrepreneurs are making the difficult decision to shut down production," warns Machado. "We need concrete action now to prevent further closures and ensure that the European textile industry not only survives but thrives in the years to come.”