In its first year, the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform has positioned itself as a trusted and dynamic hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing and policy insight. The 2025 community engagement survey confirms this strong reputation, with stakeholders consistently recognising the platform’s value, user‑friendliness and relevance to their daily work. With 106 participants representing 19 EU Member States and 5 non‑EU countries, the survey paints a clear picture of a platform that is widely recognised, appreciated and growing in reach. 

Based on your responses, the platform plays an important role in helping you stay informed. Many of you visit it to follow policy updates, read news on the textiles ecosystem and access information about funding and support opportunities. You also explore best practices, discover new resources and learn about events that bring the community together.

In addition, many of you highlighted the quality, clarity and usefulness of the platform’s content. Up-to-date information on legislative developments, funding opportunities, and thematic insights is particularly valued. Several described their experience as very satisfying (see Figure below).  

The platform’s interface reinforces this overall platform experience: among registered users, 51% find it very easy to navigate, appreciating its clear structure and intuitive design. Stakeholders who are not yet registered but already browse the platform describe it as clear and easy to use as well.

Importantly, the survey reveals that the platform attracts interest beyond its membership base: 91% of stakeholders who have not yet registered are considering joining - a clear sign of trust, visibility and perceived value. Many already read articles, consult updates or attend events, demonstrating that the platform creates value even before users officially become part of the community. This confirms its role as an inclusive entry point into the textiles ecosystem. 

Beyond current usage, the survey also reveals what you want to see more of in the future. Many of you expressed a desire for regular access to articles, news items, event announcements and timely updates on legislation or funding opportunities. These elements are already at the heart of the platform’s content and communication strategy, confirming strong alignment between what you expect and what the platform delivers.  

The survey also turned to content priorities. Respondents expressed interest in policy oriented areas such as regulation and public governance, sustainable competitiveness, investment as well as research and innovation.

When it comes to broader thematic interests, you indicated strong appetite for insights related to circular economy practices, sustainability and recycling, alongside a clear interest in regulatory compliance, market developments and consumer behaviour.

Together, these responses point to a coherent editorial direction for 2026: a balance of strategic policy guidance and practical, forward‑looking insights into the ecosystem’s transition towards a more resilient and competitive future. 

Platform events held in 2025 attracted both registered members and visitors. Many of you appreciated the clarity, relevance and thematic diversity of the sessions, describing them as valuable opportunities to stay up to date, engage with peers from across Europe, and deepen your understanding of emerging trends.  

Throughout the year, three online events brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across Europe:  

• The event titled “Early Peek into the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform“ on 10 March introduced the platform’s concept and gathered valuable feedback on its functionalities.  
• The launch event of the EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform on 16 May further expanded this engagement, bringing SMEs, associations, researchers and other stakeholders together for discussions on collaboration, sustainability and the ecosystem’s needs.  
• Finally, the Challenge campaign workshop on 18 November deepened the focus on skills for the green and digital transitions, facilitating breakout discussions and collecting insights directly from community members.

The positive feedback captured through the survey confirms that events are an important part of how you experience the platform’s benefits and how you connect with the wider community. Building on this encouraging input, the platform will continue offering purposeful and engaging events in 2026. 

Overall, the survey highlights a platform that is informative, trusted, easy to use and increasingly influential. Its strong appeal across the ecosystem, combined with high satisfaction with both content and events, demonstrates its growing importance for the European textiles ecosystem. The platform’s focus on high‑quality content, stakeholder‑relevant topics and effective communication ensures a valuable and engaging space for all those driving the transition toward a more resilient and competitive textiles ecosystem in Europe.

As the platform prepares for a new year of activity, the recently launched Beginner Kit will support those of you who would like to contribute your own content but are unsure where to start. By offering clear, accessible guidance, it encourages more voices from across the community to participate and helps ensure that the platform remains a dynamic and collaborative space in 2026 and beyond.