European textile, apparel, leather and footwear industry associations set seven priorities for 2029

Four European textile, apparel, leather and footwear industry associations, acting jointly under the designation of TCLF Social Partners, have mapped out a course for their sectors between now and 2029, publishing a list of seven priorities. The latter translate into an overarching programme featuring sustainability, professional training, energy security and industrial relations.

The list of priorities has been published in a joint statement released by CEC (the European footwear industry association), Cotance (the EU-wide association of tanners), Euratex (the European textile industry association) and the European branch of international trade union IndustriALL.

The first priority is to ensure an equitable process of green and digital transition for the relevant sectors and their workforce, including a fair distribution of ecological transition funds, and a transition framework that guarantees job and skills security within the sectors. The second priority is to develop a retraining and upskilling programme. A third goal is to foster healthy industrial relations within the supply chain, notably through an open dialogue between unions and employers.

A further priority relates to the political and regulatory framework in which the industries operate. The signatories are keen for “a sensible, stable and coherent regulatory environment” for the TCLF sector to be established, as multiple EU regulations are being introduced. The partners also intend to make sure their industries have better access to raw materials and energy, at a time when they are exposed to competition from countries where energy is subsidised. The sixth priority is free and fair trade, the signatories wanting to ensure there is a “level playing field,” through strengthened market surveillance and more stringent checks on the industrial output of non-EU countries.

The seventh priority is promoting sustainability and increased demand for products manufactured in Europe. “The TCLF Social Partners are calling for incentives for customers and consumers, so that they can buy sustainable products made in Europe, and for public procurement in the EU to focus on the green and social aspects of manufacturing,” stated the signatories.

The press release published by the four European organisations is freely available on the Euratex website.