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: © chelovek/123RF.com

Craft policy | June 2026

State government presents craft report

Funding for skilled trades in North Rhine-Westphalia increased by 55% in 2024 and 2025, according to the state government's report on skilled trades for the past two years.

Photo: © 279photo/123RF.com

Craft policy | June 2026

Sick leave in the field of optometry continues to decline.

The opticians' compensation fund has analyzed the industry's sick leave figures for 2025. For the fourth time since 2022, the number of sick days in the optometry sector has decreased.

Photo: © plaifahwannapa11/123RF.com

Craft policy | June 2026

The business community wants to support the reform process.

The summit meeting between social partners and the federal government yielded no concrete results, but a "shared understanding of reform" was reached. The skilled trades sector is particularly hopeful for a reform of the social security systems.

Photo: © Sarah Rauch / Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts

Craft policy | June 2026

Olesja Mouelhi-Ort will become the new CEO of the Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts.

Olesja Mouelhi-Ort was elected by a large majority of the general assembly of the Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts as the next managing director. She will be the first woman to take office, assuming the position on July 1st.

Photo: © Dimitry Kalinovsky/123RF.com

Craft policy | June 2026

"Construction is economic policy"

The social partners in the construction industry have published a joint position paper entitled "Construction is economic policy – How the construction industry can lead Germany out of stagnation and what is needed for this".

Photo: © Photo: BIV-OT / Chris Rausch

Craft policy | June 2026

Alf Reuter remains president of the BIV for Orthopedic Technology

Alf Reuter was re-elected as president of the Federal Guild Association for Orthopedic Technology. Tobias Chaumont has been newly elected to the board as vice president.

Craft policy | June 2026

Health insurance: "Cost-cutting measure could backfire"

WvD is calling for the cancellation of the planned across-the-board reduction in reimbursements for assistive devices. The cost-cutting measure threatens to increase social security expenditures in the long term.

Craft policy | June 2026

Reform project: Bringing interests together, gaining clarity

Ahead of the meeting of the governing parties in Berlin, the leading associations of German industry are calling for measures that primarily address growth and competitiveness.

Craft policy | June 2026

Robert Wüst receives a gold craftsman's badge

Robert Wüst, President of the Potsdam Chamber of Skilled Crafts, was awarded the Gold Craftsman's Badge, the highest award of German skilled crafts.

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.

State government presents craft report

Sick leave in the field of optometry continues to decline.

The business community wants to support the reform process.

Olesja Mouelhi-Ort will become the new CEO of the Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts.

"Construction is economic policy"

Alf Reuter remains president of the BIV for Orthopedic Technology

Health insurance: "Cost-cutting measure could backfire"

Reform project: Bringing interests together, gaining clarity

Robert Wüst receives a gold craftsman's badge