Good morning,
Thank you for inviting me to speak at this years Global Fashion Summit. Im delighted to return to Copenhagen, a city I cherish from my time as Minister for Nordic Affairs, and I anticipate more visits during Denmarks EU Council Presidency.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Øresundsbron, a bridge uniting Denmark and Sweden, symbolizing collaboration beyond mere infrastructure. Its a testament to overcoming barriers, forging connections not just geographically but across sectors and societies.
However, current times are challenging with rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disruptions. As President von der Leyen emphasized, a resilient Europe requires unity and courage, similar to our pandemic response and support for Ukraine.
We must channel this spirit into transforming our economy, including the fashion and textile sectors. Our goal is to transition from barriers to bridges, fostering a sustainable future where fashion and environmental care coexist.
Lets engage in meaningful dialogue today. I am eager to hear your ideas and learn how we can support the transition to sustainable fashion, a journey not solely about regulations but about cooperation.
The question often arises: Can we balance environmental goals with competitiveness? The fashion sector exemplifies that sustainability can drive growth, serving as a bridge to innovation and inspiration.
Despite challenges, the sector is progressing, with increasing awareness and action. Our support focuses on establishing a conducive ecosystem and forward-thinking regulations.
Circularity is key, promoting longer textile use, secondary raw materials, and innovative business models to reduce waste and strengthen resilience.
The European clothing and textile industry, generating €170 billion and 1.3 million jobs, is vital to our economy but faces environmental challenges like high resource consumption and waste.
Addressing these requires collective effort and a shift in mindset. Encouragingly, the shift to circular business models is underway, focusing on product longevity, ease of repair, and recyclability.
While the EU cant regulate globally, we aim to lead by example through partnerships and trade agreements. Our tools include the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, prioritizing textiles for circularity and resource efficiency.
We are also implementing the Digital Product Passport for better product information, ensuring a level playing field for all products, whether EU-made or imported.
The European Extended Producer Responsibility for textiles will enhance design and waste management while protecting small enterprises from undue burdens. Member States can adjust fees to combat fast fashion and reward sustainable practices.
Concerns about an uneven playing field due to non-compliant imports are valid. We must enhance digital frameworks, customs, and market surveillance to ensure fair competition.
A Circular Europe is crucial. With only 12% of materials currently recycled, a Circular Economy Act will be proposed next year to support secondary raw materials and streamline obligations.
Your input is vital for success. Ultimately, the transition relies on building bridges and fostering a resilient, competitive Europe through talent, innovation, and shared values.
Together, with ambition and purpose, we can transform the fashion and textile industry from barriers to bridges, from waste to wealth, and from linear to circular models.
Thank you.