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EU Leaders Urged to Back Textiles
12 Feb
Summary
- Over 500 business leaders gathered for an EU industry summit.
- The textile sector employs 1.3 million people across Europe.
- Leaders called for lower energy costs and trade rule enforcement.
European leaders and over 500 business representatives convened at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. Participants, including senior officials from several nations, issued a joint statement advocating for coordinated policy responses to bolster the continent's industrial competitiveness. Key demands included reducing energy and carbon expenses for manufacturers.
The summit also stressed the importance of robust enforcement of trade rules to ensure fair competition. Furthermore, there was a call to stimulate demand for products manufactured within the European Union. This includes leveraging public procurement and enhancing supply chain transparency to empower buyers and support domestic industries.
The European textile and fashion sector, a significant economic contributor with 200,000 businesses and 1.3 million employees, faces considerable pressure. High energy costs and the influx of low-quality, non-compliant goods, often through online platforms, are challenging responsible European manufacturers, leading to increased business closures.
Industry representatives highlighted the need for concrete actions to strengthen domestic demand for sustainable products while ensuring foreign goods meet EU standards. Euratex president Mario Jorge Machado emphasized regaining confidence in European production and supporting high-quality, sustainable textiles made in Europe through strategic public procurement, enhanced SME transparency, and effective market surveillance.
