The Fashion Council Germany, as chairman of the European Fashion Alliance (EFA), organized a Fashion Policy Round Table and at the same time published its report on the “Status of European Fashion”. During the round tables, the results of the report as well as the challenges, needs, opportunities and solutions of the industry were discussed with experts and politicians.
At the invitation of Scott Lipinski, Chairman of the European Fashion Alliance and Managing Director of the Fashion Council Germany and Dr. Christian Ehler, Member of the European Parliament, a political discussion on the European fashion industry took place in Brussels. The event brought together key fashion industry stakeholders, policy makers and press representatives. The focus here was on the current status and future of the fashion industry, which were discussed on the basis of the newly published report “The Status of European Fashion” and upcoming legislation. The report, also published and presented on the day of the Round Table, is based on a comprehensive Europe-wide survey on the upcoming sustainability laws affecting the fashion industry.
Dr. Christian Ehler, MEP, the EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Security and Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall and Scott Lipinski, CEO of the EFA, jointly welcomed the guests. In her keynote speech, the EU Commissioner, who was confirmed by Parliament last week, particularly emphasized the importance of the European fashion and textile industry, which, with sales of 170 billion euros last year and over a million jobs, plays an important key role as it increasingly focuses on sustainability and circular economy. It is therefore important that all organizations involved work together to make European fashion a global leader for innovative and sustainable design. She emphasized: “As the new commissioner, I want to let you know that my door is always open. The transition to sustainable fashion isn’t just about regulations – it’s about collaboration, innovation and a shared vision.”
This was also done by Dr. Christian Ehler confirms, adding: “Fashion is not just about creating objects; it’s about creating dreams and engaging in the art of constant reinvention. In times of social change, these dreams are more important than ever. The European Union and its institutions must actively support and promote this spirit of creativity and innovation. However, to achieve this, a strong partnership between politics and industry is required. However, the task of achieving the mandatory 55% climate target does not only lie with legislators: the fashion sector and industry must also make serious efforts on a larger scale to achieve our shared goals.”
Scott Lipinski reiterated: “The Fashion Policy Round Table marks a pivotal moment for the industry. By publishing the report, we have not only highlighted the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, but also reaffirmed our commitment to promoting a sustainable and innovative future for European fashion.”
In the following two discussions on the topics Status of the fashion industry: challenges and needs and Future of the fashion industry: opportunities and solutions, key industry stakeholders and representatives of the regulatory authorities exchanged their perspectives and expertise. Including Costanza Maramotti, Member of the Board and Sustainability Committee at MAX MARA. For them, it is important to create long-lasting and durable products that are passed on from generation to generation and thus create an emotional bond. This also underlines the cultural heritage and supports local handicrafts. The focus is on the longevity of the products, but at the same time also on promoting innovation and sustainability.
Other speakers at the round tables were Annika Mohr Storfält (Balenciaga), Christine Goulay (Sustainabelle), Lieve Vermeire (Van de Velde), Martina Durikovic (MAD by MAD), Michele Casucci (Certilogo), Nikolai Langguth (McKinsey & Company) , Paul Mouginot (Stabler.tech), Carlo Capasa (Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana) and Pascal Morand (Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode).
Following the Fashion Policy Round Table, a networking event was held by the EFA and Certilogo, where participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the results of the Fashion Policy Round Table.
The report “The Status of European Fashion” including the “EFA Manifesto of Recommendations” and a summary of the “EFA Fashion Policy Round Table” are published on the EFA and FCG websites.