**Rome**: Key stakeholders from the Italian textile and fashion sectors convened to address EU legislative impacts and enhance collaboration. The Rome Declaration emerged from the meeting, reflecting priorities for a competitive industry amidst challenges including sustainability and technological advancement.
On 19 and 20 February 2025, key stakeholders from the Italian textile and fashion industry convened in Rome to explore the implications of upcoming European Union legislations and to enhance social dialogue within the sector. The meeting was part of the EU-co-financed StitchTogether project, which aims to foster social partnerships across the European Textiles and Clothing Industry.
Representatives from various sectors of the Italian textile industry gathered, including members of the employer association Confindustria Moda and representatives from national trade unions such as Femca-Cisl, Filctem-Cgil, and Uiltec-Uil. The assembly also included regional clusters and various companies, all discussing the future trajectory of the industry. Together, they crafted the Rome Declaration, a joint statement underscoring their commitment to collaboration.
The Rome Declaration outlines several priorities that reflect the social partners’ dedication to fostering a competitive and equitable Italian textile industry. It further appeals to the Italian Government and the EU for support as the industry prepares for an impending transformation that includes advancements in technology and skills, as well as initiatives for regional development and a just transition to sustainable practices.
Judith Kirton-Darling, Secretary General of IndustriAll Europe, highlighted the significance of the Italian textile industry, which employs approximately 300,000 workers, accounting for 24 per cent of the European workforce in the textiles and clothing sector. “In a context of numerous challenges for the European textile industry, such as unfair globalization, green and digital transition, social dialogue is a real lever for improving working conditions and job security. We are committed alongside our Italian partners to a resilient and attractive textile industry in Italy,” she stated.
Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of EURATEX (the European Apparel and Textile Confederation), emphasised Italy’s critical role in the broader European market, noting that the country represents 36 per cent of the total European textile and fashion industry. He stated, “It is critically important therefore to maintain a strong Italian textile industry, which can be a benchmark for other countries. Combining quality, creativity, and innovation is the recipe for success. This requires a dynamic company spirit, where employers and employees work hand in hand.”
The outcomes of this meeting and the initiatives set forth in the Rome Declaration are expected to shape the future of the Italian textile and fashion sectors, emphasising a collaborative approach among social partners in the face of evolving industry challenges.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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