On 13 June 2025, Belgian textile employers and trade unions came together to sign the Brussels Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to a resilient, innovative, and sustainable textile industry. Adopted during the Belgian National Seminar and supported by the European StitchTogether project, the declaration responds to growing challenges: rising production costs, global competition, labour shortages, and the urgent need for digital and green transitions.
In this pivotal moment, social partners agreed to strengthen cooperation and social dialogue as the foundation for a fair and future-oriented transformation of the sector. The declaration outlines six key commitments:
- Creating a supportive business environment, especially for SMEs, through regulatory stability and fair competition.
- Strengthening social dialogue, with constructive discussions between employers and workers to manage transitions collaboratively.
- Driving sustainability, by promoting circular practices, eco-design, and climate neutrality.
- Investing in skills and innovation, with a focus on lifelong learning and helping workers adapt to change.
- Promoting inclusive labour markets, with quality jobs and access for youth and underrepresented groups.
- Encouraging responsible business practices, rooted in transparency, social responsibility, and respect for individual rights.
The Belgian textile sector remains a vital part of the national economy. With this declaration, social partners signal their shared ambition to future-proof the industry—ensuring that businesses remain competitive and workers are supported through change.
Through European cooperation and national dialogue, the Brussels Declaration is a meaningful step toward a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable textile industry in Belgium.
Read the full declaration here.