2 June 2023 — News, Press Releases

CEC reaction to the Report on an EU Textiles Strategy

On 1st June 2023, the European Parliament adopted the Report on an EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (EU Textiles Strategy). The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) welcomes such initiative aiming at a more sustainable industry in full compliance with international human, labour and environmental standards all around the globe. European footwear companies are committed and working in this direction; however, it is also essential that such parameters are respected by non-EU partners, and for that the European Commission needs to ensure the necessary measures in cooperation and trade agreements with third countries.

The CEC highlights that the Report voted yesterday is an example of the ongoing legislative trend started with the establishment of the textiles ecosystem in March 2020. On a technical basis, the document does not consider the peculiarities in health and safety standards, number of materials, production processes and waste management between the different products within the scope of the Strategy and, consequently, intends to provide common, but unfeasible, solutions. Moreover, it also lacks in solutions for a strengthened resilience and competitiveness, threatening the recovery of the EU industry.

Read the full press release here!