0. INTRODUCTION
The textile and clothing sector in the Mediterranean faces urgent challenges – fragmented governance, outdated practices, and growing pressure to align with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. Chambers of Commerce in Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt and Türkiye are struggling with disconnected TCLF (Textiles, clothing, leather and footwear) markets, non-aligned regulations and limited access to sustainable solutions. MEDinCHAMBERS addresses these challenges by building a transnational ALLIANCE of Chambers of Commerce and stakeholders, delivering shared services, digital tools, and knowledge hubs to support MSMEs in the Mediterranean textile value chains in transitioning to greener and more competitive business models.
1. PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The MEDinCHAMBERS project aims to improve the cross-border governance model within textile value chains in Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Greece and Turkey.
Partner institutions operate under different organisational structures, with diverse and not always shared information, independent procedures, and non-integrated tools. Therefore, governance actions are required to structure a knowledge network and establish long-lasting relationships so that collaboration and mutual support between EU and Mediterranean chambers of commerce become truly effective, in line with existing national and regional agreements.
The goal is to build a shared knowledge framework (hubs & detector) covering regulations, risks (especially those linked to the needs and constraints of the textile sector), and resources, while also creating a cross-border operational team (MEDinCHAMBERS) composed of several bilateral chambers of commerce across the Mediterranean region.
It is important to highlight that the textile sector is strongly export-oriented, with the European Union as its main destination market. In line with the new EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, and recognising both the importance of the sector and the urgent need to adopt environmentally responsible approaches, the main objective is to promote a more circular, energy-efficient, and sustainable textile sector in Italy, Spain, Egypt, Tunisia, Greece and Turkey through tailored support services and the creation of a cross-border alliance.
2. PARTNERSHIP
Lead Partner (Applicant)
| Entity | Acronym | Country | Role | Website |
| Consorzio Universitario di Economia Industriale e Manageriale | CUEIM | Italy | Overall project coordination, administrative and financial management, strategic leadership | https://www.cueim.org |
Main Partners
| Entity | Acronym | Country | Role | Website |
| Centre for Research and Technology Hellas | CERTH | Greece | Applied research, methodological development and technical support | https://www.certh.gr |
| Italian Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona | CCIB | Spain | Business engagement, internationalisation and SME support | https://www.camaraitaliana.com |
| Chambre Tuniso-Italienne de Commerce et d’Industrie | CTICI | Tunisia | Business community mobilisation and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation | https://www.ctici.org |
| Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations | CEEBA | Egypt | Business representation and transfer of results to the private sector | https://ceeba.org |
| Italian Chamber of Commerce in Izmir | CCI Izmir | Turkey | Business cooperation and international networking | — |
| Consorci de la Ribera | CRIB | Spain | Local public energy agency of the Ribera territory | https://www.consorcidelaribera.com |
Associated Partners
| Entity | Acronym | Country | Role | Website |
| Assocamere Estero | — | Italy | Network of Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad | https://www.assocamerestero.it |
| Andalucía Emprende – Regional Government of Andalusia | ANDALUCÍA EMPRENDE | Spain | Entrepreneurship and SME support | https://www.andaluciaemprende.es |
| 012factory SpA Società Benefit | 012factory | Italy | Startup acceleration and innovation support | https://www.012factory.com |
| Egyptian Chamber of Commerce Alexandria | — | Egypt | Private sector support | — |
| SQLI Services Tunisie | SQLI | Tunisia | Technological and digital consultancy | https://www.sqli.com |
| Mancomunitat de la Ribera Alta | MANRA | Spain | Local authority for sustainability and circular economy | https://www.riberaalta.es |
| DIADYMA – Waste Management Authority of Western Macedonia | DIADYMA | Greece | Regional waste management authority | https://www.diadyma.gr |
| Aegean Textile Exporters’ Association | ETHIB | Turkey | Aegean textile and raw materials exporters association | https://www.ethib.org.tr |
| Aegean Ready-Made Garment Exporters’ Association | EHKIB | Turkey | Aegean apparel and fashion exporters association | https://www.ehkib.org.tr |
3. MAIN LINES OF WORK
The work plan consists of five work packages (modules), three of which are technical. M1 and M2 aim to ensure effective and efficient implementation and communication of project activities, involving all project partners and associated organisations.
Each module is coordinated by a WP leader selected according to expertise and expected results:
- CERTH for M3
- CTICI for M4
- CCIB for M5
M3 focuses on establishing the baseline of the TCLF (Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear) ecosystem in the partner countries, involving sector associations (ASSOs) and building on already selected EU support projects. All project partners (PPs) will contribute to ensure alignment and the adoption of a common glossary to be applied in subsequent activities (M4 and M5), supported by local external experts in sustainable TCLF.
M4 represents the core of the project, delivering two strategic outputs: the MEDinCHAMBERS support service and the Detector tool. All project partners will contribute to these results, with CTICI coordinating the WP and leading the main pilot in Tunisia (Living Lab).
The Detector development is assigned to CUEIM due to its previous experience, while the online deployment of the tool will be managed by CCIB. Its dissemination will be reinforced through the installation of information totems in strategic locations in each country. Training courses will also be delivered with expert support.
M5 will consolidate the new TCLF service in each country by organising joint bootcamps and study visits for TCLF companies and public authorities, preparing the ground for short- and long-term alliances.
All partners will actively participate both at project and local level. Regional hubs will be identified in each country and coordinated by the respective partners:
- Greece — CERTH
- Tunisia — CTICI
- Egypt — CEEBA
- Spain — CCIB & CRIB
- Turkey — CCI Izmir
CUEIM will be responsible for coordinating the Italian hub activities abroad.
4. MAIN EXPECTED RESULTS
Improved access to sustainable cross-border services for TCLF SMEs, providing information and resources on sustainable practices, promoting green technologies, and facilitating networking opportunities.
Creation of local and transnational sustainable ecosystems supporting the growth of the TCLF sector beyond the project lifetime. This will include partnerships between SMEs, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions.
5. KEY OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES
Inventory of services and tools to support a more sustainable TCLF ecosystem in the Mediterranean region.
Digital platform “MEDinCHAMBERS Digital Detector”.
Short and long term alliances to foster innovation in the textile sector in Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt,Turkey and Greece.
Training activities, business forums, communication materials, and awareness-raising campaigns.
More information on the official website: https://www.interregnextmed.eu/project-page/medinchambers/about/
PROJECT INFORMATION
Program: INTERREG NEXT MED
Reference: A_G_4.1_0342 MEDinCHAMBERS
Execution period: 24 September 2025 — 23 September 2027
Total budget: €1,445,882.00
EU funding: 89 %
More information:
https://www.interregnextmed.eu/project-page/medinchambers/about/
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Consorci de la Ribera and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures.
