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Keep reading...A historic turning point for COTANCE. During the Extraordinary General Assembly held on February 13, 2026, in Milan, on the occasion of Lineapelle, the European Confederation of Tanners unanimously approved a substantial revision of its Statutes, officially opening up to a new category of members and setting the course for broader and more inclusive representation of the entire leather supply chain.
The statutory reform, the result of a year-long review process developed during 2025, introduces the new category of “Supporting Members.” These are organizations linked to the leather ecosystem—including training institutions, research and innovation bodies, industrial clusters, suppliers, and other stakeholders—which will be able to formally participate in the Confederation’s activities.
New members will be able to benefit from COTANCE initiatives and take part in targeted events, although they will not have voting rights. The organization’s intention is that this openness will strengthen dialogue and collaboration throughout the value chain.
The revision of the Statutes also introduces an update to the governance structure, strengthening the executive role of the Presidency. The President will be able to appoint Vice-Presidents, ensuring greater flexibility in the leadership structure and representation that is more aligned with the priorities of the sector. The term of office of the Presidency has also been extended to four years.
COTANCE President Manuel Rios emphasized that “the decisions taken in Milan by unanimity signals not just an administrative update, but a structural step forward: a more open, collaborative and future-oriented Confederation, ready to support a modern European leather ecosystem.”
Secretary General Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano also highlighted the significance of the reform: “COTANCE is, and remains, a European organisation representing the interest of European tanners. With this statutory evolution, COTANCE broadens its constituency to cover also the interests of individuals and entities in the leather ecosystem which previously lacked representation. By doing so, it positions itself to better address today’s challenges — from sustainability and traceability to skills, innovation and global competitiveness — by engaging the full spectrum of actors shaping the future of leather.”
During the meeting, members also welcomed Edoardo De Paola as the new Deputy Secretary General. De Paola will take over as Secretary General in April 2026, ensuring continuity and further strengthening the organization’s ability to support the sector in the coming years.
In his introductory speech, De Paola said: “I am an Italian national and a European citizen. While my proximity may make it more immediate for me to engage with the Italian membership, I am fully conscious that this mandate entrusts me with representing a broad and diverse European membership. I am committed to safeguarding the interest of COTANCE’s members and the plurality of voices that shape its common position”.
Organisations interested in joining COTANCE as Supporting Members are invited to express their interest at [email protected]
