The European Commission has adopted a communication with measures aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the EU textile and clothing sector in anticipation of the elimination, after almost of four decades, of WTO import quotas in January 2005.

This profound change in trade in textiles will take place shortly after EU enlargement, which will add half a million direct employees to the EU textiles and clothing industry''s 2.1 million workforce. The Commission has identified areas to enhance the EU industry''s dynamism and competitiveness, which will be translated into concrete measures after consulting with all stakeholders.

EU Enterprise Commissioner Erkki Liikanen said: “The European textiles and clothing industry has shown over time its capacity to modernise and to adapt to substantial challenges. Now it is again faced with major developments with enlargement, deep changes in the international trade environment and a marked slowdown in economic activity. The industry is focusing on innovation, research, quality and creation related competitive advantages. We need to provide it with the adequate framework conditions in order to enhance the capacity it has shown as an industry with a future in the enlarged Europe.”

EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy added: “Textiles is also a sector with a future in Europe, whose interests are high on the EU''s trade agenda. In 2005 import quotas will have gone, but not our interest in the industry: we need to create trading conditions and opportunities so that the European industry can compete internationally. But textiles are also hugely important for developing countries. We need to ensure that the new trading conditions for textiles are to the benefit of all poor countries and in particular the poorest and most vulnerable ones. We will also continue strengthening links with our neighbours in the Mediterranean area.”