EURATEX, the voice of the European textile and apparel industry, has welcomed the revised EU Industry Strategy, launched today. The updated strategy proposes new measures to strengthen resilience of EU Single Market, especially in times of crisis. It addresses the need to understand dependencies in key strategic areas and presents a toolbox to address them.

"Europe’s industry is going through turbulent times as a result of the corona-pandemic; turnover in textiles and clothing sector dropped between 10 and 20 per cent. However, even bigger challenges lie ahead: serious disruptions in supply chains, soaring energy prices and protective tendencies are threatening the competitiveness of our industry," EURATEX said in a media release.

Against that background, the revised EU Industry Strategy addresses very relevant issues, and underlines the need to think carefully about Europe’s industrial base. "EURATEX welcomes the initiative, including the focus on 14 “eco-systems” and the proposal to develop privileged partnerships with trusted partners," the release added.

At the same time, EURATEX has called for more consistency by the EU across its different policy areas. “We welcome the recognition that we need a strong industrial base in Europe, but at the same time are struggling to maintain that base, as our companies face significant challenges related to over-regulation and raising energy and supply costs. It feels like one hand offering you help, while the other hand squeezes you tight,” EURATEX director general Dirk Vantyghem said.

Looking at the global perspective, EURATEX said it is "not calling to close the European borders; our industrial model relies on accessing global markets. But clearly, there is a need to establish global rules to ensure fair competition, and make sure these rules are properly implemented and controlled. Also, today’s proposal to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies in the Single Market, should be welcomed in this context."

“European textiles and clothing industry went through turbulent times. Today, as part of this new EU Industry Strategy, we have an opportunity to build a new business model, based on innovation, quality, sustainability and fairness. We look forward to develop that new EU Textile strategy with all stakeholders involved,” added Vantyghem.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)

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