Craft policy

"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Five years after the devastating floods, the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Construction, the WHKT (Westphalian Chamber of Skilled Crafts), and the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts have concluded the state initiative "Skilled Crafts in Reconstruction." In Odenthal, they reviewed their collaboration.

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Only a healthy, green forest can ensure a balanced water supply. However, persistently high temperatures and drought are currently putting forests under pressure. Since water is an essential source of life, Krombacher supports the preservation of stable forests with a large-scale reforestation program.

Photo: © Dmytro/123RF.com

Craft policy | May 2026

Self-employed, pregnant, financially secure

In Berlin, representatives from politics, trade and society discussed ways to improve maternity protection for self-employed women.

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Craft policy | May 2026

Relief bonus rejected by the Federal Council

The Federal Council has rejected the tax relief bonus criticized by the skilled trades sector. It will not be implemented for the time being. The plan was to allow companies to pay their employees a tax-free bonus of up to €1.000.

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Craft policy | May 2026

Tax estimate: Revenue forecast revised downwards

The working group on tax revenue forecasts significantly lower tax revenues for the federal government, states, and municipalities over the next five years. The skilled trades sector warns that this must not lead to additional burdens.

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Craft policy | May 2026

State government adopts relief package

The North Rhine-Westphalia state government has introduced a legislative package with measures to reduce bureaucracy. It promises "substantial relief" for businesses in North Rhine-Westphalia. Trade associations welcome the initiative.

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Craft policy | May 2026

Vehicle monitoring: ZDK welcomes EU Parliament decision

The German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) welcomes the decisions of the European Parliament to revise the EU rules for periodic vehicle inspections and technical roadside checks. With this, the Members of Parliament sent important signals for greater practical relevance, technological neutrality, and consumer friendliness.

Photo: © Wilfried Meyer

Craft policy | May 2026

Mona Neubaur receives Florian plaque

The trade association Handwerk.NRW and the chimney sweeps from Düsseldorf have awarded State Minister Mona Neubaur the Florian Plaque. She was honored for her contributions to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) policy and her commitment to strengthening the skilled trades.

Craft policy | May 2026

Frustration among tradespeople after one year of black-red coalition

Frustration with reforms instead of economic growth: That's the conclusion of the skilled trades sector on the anniversary of the black-red coalition government. Hopes for a turnaround in reforms have so far not been fulfilled.

Craft policy | May 2026

ZDH criticizes revised deforestation ordinance once again

The EU Commission has amended the deforestation regulation. The trades sector had expected more. The revised regulation is insufficient and falls far short of what would have been necessary.

Craft policy | May 2026

Building Modernization Act: ZVEH demands practical guidelines

Seven associations, including the ZVEH, are demanding "reliable guidelines for a plannable and investment-secure heat transition in buildings" from politicians within the framework of the Building Modernization Act.

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Three prizes for final projects of designers (HWK)

Eight success codes for future viability

Mental health in craft businesses

ING launches new fixed-term deposit offer for medium-sized businesses

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

Schufa shadow database: What businesses can do

Süffa with three focus topics at the pulse of the meat industry

Federal Cabinet approves second relief package

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Craftsmen in Saxony oppose packaging tax

Stylish fastback – the Peugeot 408

How Geely plans to conquer the German market

Uncharted – Subaru's first all-electric SUV

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Vocational school classes awarded for creative ideas against violence

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Corporate award from "Vocational Training Without Borders"

Growing as a team – healthy and successful

Trades welcome the right to repair: "Strong signal"

Reference: The former employee is sometimes allowed to force the boss to sign it.

Self-employed, pregnant, financially secure

Relief bonus rejected by the Federal Council

Tax estimate: Revenue forecast revised downwards

State government adopts relief package

Vehicle monitoring: ZDK welcomes EU Parliament decision

Mona Neubaur receives Florian plaque

Frustration among tradespeople after one year of black-red coalition

ZDH criticizes revised deforestation ordinance once again

Building Modernization Act: ZVEH demands practical guidelines