The European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CEC) is the official representative body of the European footwear industry, bringing together national footwear associations and federations from across EU Member States to advocate for the sector’s interests at both European and international levels. It serves as a network and platform that supports competitiveness, sustainable growth and policy engagement for footwear companies and their stakeholders.

CEC promotes collaboration among industry representatives, research and education providers, and public authorities to address shared challenges such as market access, innovation, skills development, sustainability and social responsibility. It participates in EU policy discussions, contributes to sectoral dialogue, and facilitates partnerships and information exchange. Through its network and activities, CEC supports research and innovation initiatives and fosters stronger ties within the footwear ecosystem, including technology centres and project consortia.

As a platform, CEC also engages in EU projects and international forums, enabling stakeholders to access knowledge, and coordinate strategic responses to industry trends and regulatory developments. Its work includes promoting sustainable practices, advocating for fair trade conditions and supporting skills and employment initiatives in the footwear sector.

For further details, visit the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry page.