European Commission announces “Textiles of the Future” Partnership under Horizon Europe

Brussels, 20 March 2024 – In the fringes of the EU Research and Innovation Days, the European Commission has announced 9 new European co-funded and co-programmed partnerships, including “Textiles of the Future” (*). These partnerships will be at the core of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027, addressing the green and digital transition, and a more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe.

EURATEX has been working towards such a partnership over the last few years. Investing in innovation is a critical component to successfully implement the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. We therefore welcome the Commission’s decision, as a very timely measure to help our 200.000 EU textile companies to remain competitive.

Director General Dirk Vantyghem commented: “Innovation is the bridge between sustainability and competitiveness. This Horizon Europe Partnership is therefore an essential tool which will help our companies to become global leaders on sustainable textile products”.