EURATEX Setting Course for Textile and Apparel Future
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
Decarbonizing, yes, but not deindustrializing
The lobbying work carried out by EURATEX, as the representative of the legitimate interests and needs of both the textile and apparel industry, plays a key role per se, in the European Union’s economic area and beyond.
Given the multifaceted nature and complexity of the upcoming adjustment processes, the potential of dedicated works and projects launched and handled by the European Apparel and Textile Confederation — shoulder-to-shoulder with all stakeholders along the value chain, globally positioned co-association the International Apparel Federation (IAF) in the first row —is reaching a new level to cope with tasks, opportunities & challenges.
The vertically structured sector is obviously challenged by the need to transition towards sustainability, near-shoring concepts, and more holistic digitalization, including AI-supported applications, to enable near-shoring.
In addition, costs for the represented SMEs, as well as large manufacturers and brands, are increasing on several fronts. A cocktail – if I may say so – of geopolitical turmoil and the usual competitive pressure to come on top.
Terms that doubtlessly had a decisive influence on the substance of EURATEX’ recent General Assembly – representing these two closely intertwined industries – textile & apparel – in the best possible sense. 12th of June, the gathering took place at the EURATEX headquarters in Brussels, just a stone's throw from the European Union's main administrative headquarters.
Beyond advocacy and representation
EURATEX, acting as a strong lobby for the European textile and apparel sector, especially in the context of new and impending legislation, is also actively involved in shaping the EU’s Mandatory Due Diligence legislation. This requires European brands and retailers to follow procedures to reduce negative impacts on their supply chains, both within and outside the EU. The associations, implemented in 1996, work to ensure that such regulations are implemented in a way that is manageable for both large and small companies, preventing excessive burdens on SMEs and manufacturers.
So it was no surprise that the EURATEX president focused specifically on this key issue in his speech upon being confirmed in his role by the General Assembly.
The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) was founded in 1996. More precisely, it was officially created in 1996 through the merger of three Brussels-based organizations that had represented textile and clothing interests since the early 1960s: COMITEXTIL (Coordination Committee for the Textile Industries of the European Community — representing textile manufacturing interests), ECLA (European Association of Clothing Industries) — representing apparel and clothing producers), and ELTAC (European Largest Textile and Apparel Companies — representing the interests of major textile and clothing corporations).
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Committed to sustainable transformation for the T&A sector, to competitiveness, and thus innovation: EURATEX re-elected president, Mario Jorge Machado, President as well of the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP) since 2019, shareholder and director of Adalberto Textile Solutions S.A, Rebordões/Portugal. Photos: EURATEX 2026
Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President.
Upon his re-election, Mario Jorge Machado stressed: “My priority for the renewed mandate is clear: to strengthen the competitiveness of our industry, ensure that the same rules apply to all products sold in Europe, and support our companies through the green and digital transition. Machado, known for his extensive industrial experience and a strong commitment to innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable transformation, further discussed Brussels in a broader context: “Europe must decarbonize its industry, not deindustrialize it.”The re-election of Machado, with his educational background as a graduate in Polymer Production Engineering from the University of Minho in Braga/Portugal, is judged as a sign of confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and apparel industry.
Here is for defined EURATEX priorities under his reconfirmed mandate.
Competitiveness as the foundation
Mario Jorge Machado makes clear that competitiveness must be the starting point for any successful industrial policy. In his recent address in Brussels, he stressed that without competitiveness, there can be no investment, no innovation, no sustainability, and no strategic autonomy. He will therefore continue to push for a stronger business environment for textile companies, with support for investment in automation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, skills, and innovation, especially for the thousands of SMEs.
The genuine level playing field Second key priority: to ensure that the same rules apply to everything sold in Europe, not only to what is made in Europe. Machado has repeatedly called for stronger market surveillance, better border enforcement, and more effective controls on imports sold through digital platforms. The goal: European companies not to be put at a disadvantage against products that bypass EU safety, environmental, and consumer rules. – “EURATEX will continue to advocate for equal enforcement, fair competition and a market where compliance is rewarded.”
Supporting industry through the transition Also, during the second term of Mario Jorge Machado’s presidency, EURATEX will continue to aim to ensure that the green and digital transition strengthens European industry rather than weakens it. “Sustainability must become a source of competitiveness, not a burden, and companies need realistic rules, affordable energy, workable implementation, and targeted support to adapt successfully. The re-elected leader for the association underlined. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of stimulating demand for sustainable European-made textiles, including through public procurement and transparency tools that are feasible for companies.
The genuine level playing field Second key priority: to ensure that the same rules apply to everything sold in Europe, not only to what is made in Europe. Machado has repeatedly called for stronger market surveillance, better border enforcement, and more effective controls on imports sold through digital platforms. The goal: European companies not to be put at a disadvantage against products that bypass EU safety, environmental, and consumer rules. – “EURATEX will continue to advocate for equal enforcement, fair competition and a market where compliance is rewarded.”
Supporting industry through the transition Also, during the second term of Mario Jorge Machado’s presidency, EURATEX will continue to aim to ensure that the green and digital transition strengthens European industry rather than weakens it. “Sustainability must become a source of competitiveness, not a burden, and companies need realistic rules, affordable energy, workable implementation, and targeted support to adapt successfully. The re-elected leader for the association underlined. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of stimulating demand for sustainable European-made textiles, including through public procurement and transparency tools that are feasible for companies.
Brussels, June 12, 2026: EURATEX‘ General Assembly also confirmed the association’s overall presidency team, to support the strategic direction: (l-r) Ismail Kolunsag (VP), IHKIB/Türkiye; Franz-Peter Falke (Treasurer), Textil +Mode/Germany; Barbara Cimmino (VP), Confindustria Moda/Italy; Mario Jorge Machado (President); Grégory Marchand (VP), L’Union des Industries Textiles/France
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