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: © sergiobarrios/123RF.com

Craft policy | July 2026

"Anyone who wants to understand our country must study craftsmanship."

The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) will award its prize for the history of skilled crafts for the first time in 2028 as a prize for academic research. It is endowed with 10.000 euros.

Photo: © Oleg Dudko/123RF.com

Craft policy | July 2026

Do not further burden the trades

Ahead of the coalition committee meeting, Jörg Dittrich, president of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts, appealed to politicians not to forget the needs of small and medium-sized craft businesses. Germany does not need reforms that harm skilled trades and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Photo: © gwolters/123RF.com

Craft policy | July 2026

Master craftsman bonus in Saxony increases to 3.000 euros

The Saxon cabinet has decided to increase the master craftsman bonus to 3.000 euros. It applies retroactively from January 1st of this year to all master craftsmen who successfully complete their examination this year.

Photo: © goodluz/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

The Greens want to strengthen the food industry

The Green Party parliamentary group wants to classify the food processing industry as systemically important – also for food security in times of crisis. They also want to reduce bureaucracy for small businesses.

Photo: © gpointstudio/123RF.com

Craft policy | July 2026

The Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts criticizes the media fee

The Saarland Ministry of Education is planning to introduce a uniform media fee at secondary schools. The Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Trades criticizes this and hopes the ministry will reverse its decision.

Photo: © Lane Erickson/123RF.com

Craft policy | July 2026

Modernization agenda: Federal and state governments present progress report

At the end of 2025, the federal and state governments agreed on a package of measures to modernize the state. A first progress report has now been published. So far, the focus has been primarily on digitalization measures for citizens. However, according to the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), relief measures relevant to the skilled trades are only being implemented slowly.

Craft policy | July 2026

Saxon milestone has been launched

The application period for the Saxon Milestone award has begun. They are seeking successors who have successfully implemented a generational transition. The application deadline is August 21st.

Craft policy | June 2026

Dietmar Ahle receives honorary master craftsman title

The German Federal Association for Paint, Design and Building Protection has awarded Dietmar Ahle the title of "Honorary Master of the German Painting and Varnishing Trade" for his outstanding voluntary commitment.

Craft policy | June 2026

Structural reforms instead of cuts in the provision of assistive devices

The provision of assistive devices needs structural changes, not indiscriminate cuts. This is the demand of "Wir Versorgung Deutschland" (WvD) on the occasion of the presentation of the 2026 assistive device study entitled "Care Navigation: The Future of Assistive Device Provision".

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.

"Anyone who wants to understand our country must study craftsmanship."

Do not further burden the trades

Master craftsman bonus in Saxony increases to 3.000 euros

The Greens want to strengthen the food industry

The Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts criticizes the media fee

Modernization agenda: Federal and state governments present progress report

Saxon milestone has been launched

Dietmar Ahle receives honorary master craftsman title

Structural reforms instead of cuts in the provision of assistive devices