EURATEX, industriAll Europe launch project to promote circularity

Supported by the European Commission, EURATEX and industriAll Europe have initiated “Stitch Together,” a two-year Europe-wide project designed to enhance social partnerships within the European textiles and clothing industry.

“Stitch Together” addresses the industry’s need to adapt to global competition, adopt eco-friendly practices, and embrace technological advancements while maintaining decent working conditions and quality social dialogue. The project will encourage constructive dialogue between employers and trade unions in seven countries with rich textile histories: Belgium, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Türkiye.

Through seminars and capacity-building workshops, it aims to strengthen the capacity of social partners, enabling them to engage effectively in national and European-level dialogues. Additionally, the initiative seeks to increase social partner involvement in EU policy-making, contributing to the development of sustainable and circular industry practices.

Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of EURATEX, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Having a constructive and mature social dialogue is an important component of this new EU Industrial Deal, which should be part of the next European Commission’s agenda. This project is therefore very timely.”

Judith Kirton-Darling, Secretary General of industriAll Europe, added, “Quality social dialogue is essential to make the green and digital transition of the textiles a success in Europe and ensure a Just Transition for workers. We are delighted to kick off this project and hope to see real results on the ground.”