COTANCE meets DG ENV to discuss the future of European leather
On 8 May, the COTANCE Presidency met with Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea (DG ENV) to present leather’s circular economy role & discuss key EU files: ESPR, WFD, PEF.
The COTANCE Presidency met on 8 May 2025 Mr Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director in DG ENV of the European Commission.
The European leather industry presented the key environmental features that position leather as an ideal circular economy material. Discussions covered major legislative initiatives and tools, including Ecodesign (ESPR), by-products & recycled content (WFD), and allocation & durability (PEF).
Mr Ciobanu-Dordea welcomed COTANCE’s active engagement, inviting to participate in the upcoming Ecodesign Forum, a follow-up meeting with PEF officers, and to continue contributing input across the directorate’s work. He also reaffirmed the Commission’s willingness to maintain an open and constructive dialogue.
On the same day, in the afternoon, the COTANCE Presidency also met with Emanuele Pitto (DG ENV) to discuss the critical state of play around the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
COTANCE President Manuel Rios and Vice-President Fabrizio Nutti delivered a clear message:
If hides, skins, and leather remain in Annex I, EU tanners face a supply crisis. With traceability tied to the meat sector—and no clear signals from intra- or extra-EU suppliers—European tanners are left waiting and uncertain whether they’ll have access to the raw materials they need.
The meeting reaffirmed that COTANCE stands firmly with our people, family businesses, and regions—unfairly impacted by regulations that have no real connection to the leather sector.
We are grateful for the opportunity to engage in this dialogue and will continue communicating, advocating, and defending the interests of European tanners for as long as it takes.
