DG NEAR participated in the regional workshop. A session was entitled “From the EU Green Deal to the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles – Implications for developing countries and the MENA region”. The EU Delegation in Jordan presented the EU Green Deal and its implications for the Southern Neighbourhood countries in general and as regards the Textile and Clothing industry in particular. As illustration to the EU support to Southern Neighbourhood partner countries, DG NEAR presented the new regional programme on green and circular economy (Green Forward), part of the regional Team Europe Initiative’s (TEI) third pillar on Innovative Entrepreneurship. 

The strategic support of the regional TEI “Jobs through Trade and Investment in the Southern Neighbourhood” gave participants an overview of the Team Europe approach and the regional TEI. Partners were introduced to the idea of a joint, integrated approach across donors, implementers and modalities and provided further examples of TEI programs benefitting the T&C sector in addition to GTEX/MENATEX, including programs focusing on technical assistance, capacity building as well as financial support through International Financial Institutions. During the discussion, participants raised specific support demands to the TEI such as an information portal for businesses with up-to-date data on EU Green Deal regulations. The discussion demonstrated that partners react positively to the Team Europe approach but also the need for an effective joint programming approach which allows the TEI to respond collectively to partner demands.

Finally, one day was dedicated to visiting factories, highlighting good practices in environmental sustainability, digitalisation and women’s empowerment.