European Union news and archive

European Anti-Fraud Office unmasks major textile smuggling ring

In a decisive blow to the European “grey market,” the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) confirmed on 6th May 2026 the successful conclusion of a coordinated strike against a sophisticated smuggling network. Working in tandem with Polish and Spanish customs officials, OLAF investigators intercepted a rail corridor originating in China that was...

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Fashion

Etsy bans animal fur as industry sentiments continue to shift

Etsy is set to ban the sale of all animal fur from August 2026, following a 50-plus-day protest campaign by the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT). The global online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods has updated its Animal Products Policy as part of its broader shift in its sustainability pillars and confirmed the changes in a...

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Business

One year of 'Liberation Day': where Trump's tariff plans stand today

When Donald Trump issued an invitation to the White House Rose Garden exactly one year ago, it was already clear to many that something significant was coming. The topic was to be tariffs, “unfair trade” and the American economy. The US president celebrated it as “Liberation Day”. In Germany, the EU and other parts of the world, however, his...

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Fairs|In-depth

Turkish fashion industry showcases its strength (and fears) at new edition of IFCO: “We are Europe’s reliable partner”

At the invitation of the event's organisers, FashionUnited travelled to Turkey last week to attend the ninth edition of Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO). This international trade fair brings together all the key players in the Turkish fashion industry. The latest edition was marked by growing political and trade tensions that are shaking up...

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Business|Opinion

How the India-EU FTA will level the playing field for the textile and apparel industry

For many garment industry insiders who have navigated the ebb and flow of global supply chains for years, witnessing the formal signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27th January 2026 seems like the dawn of a new era. For decades, Indian exporters felt as if one hand was tied behind their backs as they faced stiff tariffs while...

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Business

US President Donald Trump suspends Greenland tariffs

MADRID – Amid the volatile and unpredictable trade strategy defining the current U.S. administration, President Donald J. Trump has announced the suspension of the so-called “Greenland tariffs.” The decision was shared late Wednesday afternoon, following the President's address at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos. Utilizing his social...

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Business

“Setback by 50 years” - European fashion industry reacts to impending “Greenland tariffs”

As if the European fashion industry did not have enough on its plate already in view of rapid geopolitical shifts, impending regulation and environmental unpredictability, US president Donald Trump added to its woes this weekend: Eight countries supporting Greenland’s sovereignty - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway,...

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Business

European fashion braces for Trump's tariff threat over Greenland

The European fashion industry faces fresh uncertainty as President Donald Trump announced weekend tariffs against eight countries. including major fashion exporters the UK, France, and Germany, as leverage to acquire Greenland from Denmark. The tariffs, set to begin February 1st at 10 percent and rise to 25 percent by June, come as the sector...

Fashion

Spain to host a 'reward-based' pilot programme for used clothing collection

Madrid – Europe continues to advance its sustainability, textile waste management and reuse objectives. The continent will finance the development of a disruptive pilot programme in Spain for used clothing collection, offering “rewards” to consumers. This initiative seeks not only to accelerate progress towards these strategic goals but...

Fashion

European textile federations call on the EU for "urgent action" against ultra fast fashion

Paris - "Without delay", "immediately": European textile and clothing companies "can no longer wait years for measures to be taken against ultra fast fashion", they write in a joint letter to the European Commission. Fashion and textile players are growing impatient with the slow legislative response to Shein, Temu and AliExpress. These large...

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France urges EU to delist non-compliant ecommerce platforms

Paris - The French government is urging the European Commission to swiftly adopt new powers that would allow it to "delist" online sales platforms that violate EU laws. According to a letter from Minister Véronique Louwagie, obtained by AFP, this measure is primarily aimed at companies like Shein. Louwagie wrote to European Commissioner for...

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US-EU Ttade agreement reached, aims for stability amidst uncertainty

Madrid – After months of intensive negotiations, representatives from the United States government and the European Union have successfully concluded a new trade and tariff agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the pact, stating it "creates certainty in uncertain times" and offers "stability and predictability for...