The EU’s current fashion consumption and production patterns are deeply unsustainable, driven by overconsumption, exploitative supply chains, and severe environmental and social impacts. While advocacy efforts have led to significant policy advancements, including new EU legislative initiatives and the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), structural imbalances of power within the industry persist.

The Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) focuses on reshaping these dynamics by ensuring that global value chain actors, particularly those most marginalised, have a voice in EU policy-making. By addressing trade structures and corporate accountability, FTAO aims to contribute to a fair, inclusive, and climate-positive transition in the fashion sector. With growing political momentum, this project seizes the opportunity to push for meaningful change in EU textile policies and beyond.

• Donor: Laudes Foundation.
• Project implementation: 2024-2028.