About ACTE

ACTE Logo

Founded in 1991 in Guimãraes in Portugal, ACTE (the European Textile Collectivities Association) is a no-profit association which currently brings together approximately sixty local and regional administrations from European territories (in 7 EU member countries and Croatia) in which the clothing and textile sectors play a leading role.

ACTE is firmly convinced that the clothing and textile industries are sectors of the economy which can easily enhance the culture, creativity and innovation of European enterprises and territories. Thus its aim is to represent and defend the interests of its member territories and to encourage the sector to adopt European modernization policies in view of the increasing competitiveness of the international scenario.

This objective is mainly pursued by means of lobbying, awareness raising and reflection activities whose aim is to forge cooperation and partnerships between European regions and territories with important clothing and textile industries.

ACTE also promotes the European clothing and textile sectors by establishing institutional relations with representatives from leading European institutions and promoting projects pursuant to national and European programmes.

Main areas of support /sectors of activity:

  • Economic promotion and promotion of employment in European textile territories;
  • Reciprocal opening of international markets;
  • Promotion of competitiveness of textile enterprises and territorial systems;
  • Respect of the environment and application of the Local Agenda 21 initiative;
  • Respect of social conditions and the promotion of ethical consumption;
  • Promotion of development cooperation, especially in historically related territories (ex colonies);
  • Preparation of co-financed projects pursuant to European programmes;
  • Development and exchange of best practices - especially those focusing on culture, training, environment and social relations - between ACTE members through the organization of study visits, publications, events and conferences regarding textiles and clothing;
  • Collaboration in cultural fields via the Network of Textile Museums of ACTE member town and cities