European Commission news and archive

EU targets fast fashion e-commerce with new customs regime

The European Union is set to overhaul its customs regulations, targeting the burgeoning low-cost e-commerce sector in a move that could significantly impact global online retail giants and consumer shopping habits. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was re-elected for a second five-year term last week, announced the...

Business

EU court rejects TikTok challenge against new EU digital rules

TikTok lost an appeal Wednesday to escape new digital rules that seek to rein in the power of big tech after an EU court rejected its challenge. A landmark European Union law known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) entered into force in March, and regulators believe it will create a fairer market. The European Commission designated six...

BusinessFeatured

Forever chemicals on the EU agenda: Key insights for the fashion industry on upcoming PFAS restrictions

Brussels - According to a 2024 study by Dr. Harrad, professor of environmental chemistry at University of Birmingham, PFAS can enter the skin’s fluids (like sweat and oils) by environmental media transmission (such as indoor dust), where they can then be absorbed via the skin and enter the bloodstream. With its upcoming legislative initiatives,...

Business

EU dismisses case against fashion companies accused of ‘cartel’ practices

Antitrust regulators for the European Union (EU) have reportedly scrapped an investigation into a group of fashion companies that it had raided over claims of “cartel practices”. According to a report by the European Commission seen by Reuters, the dismissal of the two-year investigation was down to “priority reasons”. The competition watchdog...

What is the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) legislation? What does it mean for the fashion industry, and what can you do to prepare?

Good news from Brussel. ‘A victory for people and the environment.’ Lara Wolters on X, tweet from March 15, 2024: “Due Diligence passed in Council! People and planet prevailed over cynicism. Thanks so much to the Belgian Presidency for all its efforts!” On Friday, March 15, the EU voted in favor of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence...

BusinessFeatured

What to Expect from the EU’s efforts to Revise the Textile Labelling Regulation

Brussels - Selected for their practical qualities and their visual appeal, textiles play a vital role in the daily lives of every citizen. Enhancing the efficiency, comfort, and appeal of various objects, textiles are essential components to various products such as furniture, clothing, or others, such as cars, and protective and medical gear....

BusinessFeatured

A closer look at the upcoming EU’s Right to Repair legislation and its impact on fashion

Brussels - In light of grueling concerns over environmental degradation and sustainability, new European legislation aims to improve the longevity and durability of products through the ‘right to repair’. This legislative framework represents a holistic approach to supporting circular economy, waste reduction and sustainable consumption in the...

Business

European Parliament votes in favour of Green Claims Directive, but in time?

On Tuesday, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Green Claims Directive, proposed by the European Commission in March 2023, thus confirming its stance that a game-changing legal framework to eliminate greenwashing is indeed much needed. As part of the proposal, environmental claims would need to be verified by independent verifiers...

Comprehensive reporting on sustainability is or will become mandatory: Here's what you need to know about the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

“Traditionally, financial reports have been the main focus of corporate reporting,” explains fashion professional Melissa Wijngaarden. Many companies compile annual reports that recount their activities over the last year. An integral part of this report is the financial statements, which summarize the company's financial situation. This allows...

BusinessFeatured

The Digital Product Passport and the revolution of data sharing in sustainable fashion

In recent years, the fashion industry has undergone a significant transformation, where the concept of sustainability has evolved from being considered a niche concern to becoming a legislative requirement. The European Union, at the forefront of regulating sustainable practices, is establishing guidelines for textile companies to ensure their...

Fashion

Why fast fashion 'recycling' is not saving the planet

In H&M's flagship Paris store it is hard to find clothes that don't claim to be made from "recycled materials". Last year, 79 percent of the polyester in its collections came from recycled materials, and next year it wants it all to be recycled. The Swedish fast fashion giant told AFP that recycled material allows the "industry to reduce its...

BusinessFeatured

Why should the fashion industry pay attention to climate change litigation and upcoming legislative proposals on environmental claims

Brussels - In recent years, many NGOs and citizens brought legal action against governments in the EU and multinationals for either failing to sufficiently reduce their Greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions (so-called “climate change litigation”) or for misleading consumers when making environmental or sustainability claims. Written by Lucas Falco...