Denmark has assumed presidency of the European Union from July 1^st 2025 for six months, and Brussels-based textile association Euratex and its Danish member Dansk Mode and Textil (DM&T) are calling upon it to urgently move forward on a number of issues.

The past few months have seen major upheavals and turbulence in global markets, as well as uncertainty surrounding a number of regulatory initiatives and all of this creates a climate of uncertainty for European industry and anxiety with consumers, the associations say. As a result, the demand for textiles and garments is low and entrepreneurs are hesitant to make investment decisions.

Specifically, the new presidency is being asked to ensure that the Circular Economy Act will support the demand for sustainable textile products and create a single market for textile waste, in addition to accelerating the much needed reform of the Union Customs Code, with specific protectionary measures adopted much faster and more boldly.

The presidency is being further urged to move forward on implementing the Waste Framework Directive, allowing EPR (extended producer responsibility) schemes to be rolled out across the EU in a harmonised way, and the future of the Green Claims initiative to be clarified.

In terms of international trade, the presidency is being asked to put the ratification of the Mercosur FTA (free trade agreement) back on track as quickly as possible and to carefully monitor negotiations with India, to ensure a comprehensive and balanced agreement can be reached, as against a quick and partial deal.

The Energy Union, which should result in much needed lower energy prices for European manufacturers and a revision of the REACH regulatory chemicals framework are further issues that would benefit Euratex members.

“Our textile companies face too many uncertainties,” said Dirk Vantyghem of Euratex. “While the EU cannot solve them alone, we expect the Danish Presidency to show some leadership and move forward on these urgent topics. We have no time to lose if we want to safeguard the competitiveness of our industry.”

The European textile and clothing industry, with around 200,000 companies, employs 1.3 million workers and generates €170 billion in turnover, with €64 billion achieved from exports.

www.euratex.eu