The ‘Paris Declaration’ adopted on July 10, 2025 is part of the European StitchTogether project. This initiative is supported by the European Union and aims to strengthen the social dialogue in the textile and clothing industry.
The project is worn by two European social partners – Euratex on the part of the employers and industrialall Europe on the part of the unions. It comprises seven countries – France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland and Turkey. The aim is to promote a fair ecological and digital change in a sector that is in a profound change and reinvents.
A month after the declaration was adopted in France, Camille Franger takes stock. As a policy advisor, she is responsible for the textile sector at Industrialall Europe.
What first tangible sign of implementation is there a month after the ‘Parisian declaration’ has been adopted?
It is still a bit early to see concrete effects. This also depends on how the social partners have taken up the project at the national level. On the other hand, we are already observing a very good cooperation between the different social partners: inside the textile industry.
The enthusiasm for the project and active participation in the national seminar in Paris on July 9 and 10 were clearly noticeable. The project goal of strengthening the social dialogue is therefore already fulfilled. A follow-up phase with the preparation of a national action plan is planned, which will further deepen the declaration.
What specific obstacles do you see in the implementation of this common vision?
The project comprises seven European countries, and the obstacles are very different depending on the national context. In France we find a low support from the authorities. The challenge is to raise the political decision -makers: to sensitize inside, and this is exactly where the strength of the project is. The social partners: inside (employers and employees) speak with one voice to work for the textile industry. The Parisian declaration becomes a useful instrument to draw attention to the needs of the sector.
How does the support of the European Union in France express itself?
European financing enables the structuring of the social dialogue. This is done in particular through discussions in the 2024 research phase, national seminars, future workshops and the development of a national action plan before a final conference in Brussels 2026. This support also promotes the formal and informal exchange between French and European social partners: inside. Euratex and Industrialall Europe play an essential coordination role.
What financing are mobilized to support companies in ecological and digital change?
The Parisian declaration mentions the need for public, national and local funds in order to adapt the training and skills of the employees to this change. This includes the control of new materials, the introduction of more sustainable procedures and the integration of digitization and artificial intelligence (AI). It is the task of the national partner: inside, continuing this work to determine and mobilize help.
What measures were taken to anticipate the need for competence and to ensure stable and humane employment?
The French project partners: Inside (Uit, CFDT Services, CFE-CGC Chimie) are strongly committed to these topics. At European level, Industrialall promotes so -called “quality workplaces” in the entire industry: fair wages and working conditions, training, trade union representation, equality between women and men, health and security. The goal is a “fair change” in which no one is left behind.
How is the French approach perceived by the other countries?
Each country involved in the project pursues a similar approach with the organization of national seminars. We are at the end of this second phase; The seminars in Spain and Portugal are still pending. A third phase of further tracking and deepening then begins before a closing event with all the player in Brussels in Brussels: inside and the European institutions.
About the ‘Paris Declaration’
The ‘Paris Declaration’ is neither a binding text nor an international agreement, but a joint declaration of intent of the social partners. It contains six central obligations that deal with a fair change, employment, competencies, social cooperation, the promotion of the textile sector and access to funds. The aim of the declaration is to serve as a political instrument to influence decision -makers and to structure concrete measures at national and European level.
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