ACTE Strengthens Its European Dimension Following a Successful Institutional Mission in Brussels
June 2026
New members join the network as European stakeholders gather to discuss the future competitiveness and clean transition of the textile sector
ACTE – The European Textile Collectivities Association – successfully concluded its institutional mission in Brussels on 2–3 June, bringing together representatives from textile territories, European institutions, industry organisations and innovation centres to discuss the future of the European textile and fashion sector.
The mission included the ACTE Annual General Meeting (AGM), Executive Committee and the conference “The Clean Transition of the European Textile Sector: Regulatory Framework and Opportunities for Competitiveness”, reinforcing ACTE’s role as a leading European network for textile territories and fashion ecosystems.
ACTE continues to grow across Europe
One of the key milestones of the meeting was the approval of six new members, further expanding ACTE’s geographical reach and strengthening its representation across the European textile ecosystem.
The new members are:
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences – AMFI (Netherlands)
- Open Connector Alliance (Belgium)
- Fashion Innovation Center (Sweden)
- Hogent (Belgium)
- Eurecat (Spain)
- Borås Incubator (Sweden)
These new additions reinforce ACTE’s position as Europe’s largest network of textile territories, bringing together municipalities, research centres, educational institutions, innovation hubs and industry stakeholders committed to the future of textiles and fashion.
A shared vision for a competitive and sustainable textile industry
As part of the programme, ACTE organised a high-level conference focused on the opportunities and challenges arising from the European Union’s clean transition agenda and its impact on the textile sector.
The conference featured a keynote contribution from Laia Pinós Mataró, member of the cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and responsible for Energy, Climate and Environment at the European Commission.
The event also included a roundtable discussion moderated by Sibylle Martin, member of the European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE), with the participation of:
- Lutz Walter, Secretary General of the European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (ETP)
- Mauro Scalia, Director of Sustainable Businesses at EURATEX
- Simona Moldovan, Head of European Projects and R&D&I, Sustainability and Technology Transfer at AITEX
Speakers highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability and collaboration between public authorities, industry and knowledge centres to strengthen the competitiveness of the European textile industry and maximise the opportunities offered by the evolving regulatory framework.
Strengthening ACTE’s role in Europe
The Brussels mission marks another important step in the implementation of the objectives established by ACTE’s current Presidency, held by the City of Mataró.
By expanding its membership base, fostering dialogue with European institutions and promoting cooperation among textile territories, ACTE continues to strengthen its position as a recognised interlocutor in European discussions on the future of textiles, fashion and industrial transformation.
As Europe accelerates its transition towards a more sustainable and competitive textile ecosystem, ACTE remains committed to representing the interests of textile territories and supporting collaboration across the continent.
