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: © welcomia/123RF.com

Craft policy | May 2026

Right to repair: ZDK warns of liability traps

After the Federal Council addressed the Federal Government's draft law and failed to mention potential liability risks in the automotive trade, the ZDK calls on the Bundestag to ensure the law is legally sound.

Photo: © Dani Oshi

Craft policy | May 2026

Crafts and small and medium-sized enterprises: Urgent need for action at EU level

The Bavarian Crafts Association and the West German Crafts Association jointly hosted an event at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria in Brussels. The focus was on increasing the visibility of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the skilled trades at the EU level.

Photo: © andreypopov/123RF.com

Craft policy | May 2026

Bureaucracy reduction in Brandenburg: Tradespeople demand consistent implementation

The new Brandenburg state government promises swift action to reduce bureaucracy. However, everyday experience shows that despite a special committee, much remains to be done.

Photo: © Karsten Hintzmann

Craft policy | May 2026

First exchange with Minister Klement: Focus on skilled trades

First meeting, clear signals: During the exchange with Brandenburg's new Minister of Economic Affairs, Martina Klement, the skilled trades brought key concerns such as reducing bureaucracy, securing skilled workers and business succession to the table – and apparently met with open ears.

Photo: © Michelle Loiselle/123RF.com

Craft policy | May 2026

Healthcare trades are pushing for a reform of prequalification.

Healthcare professionals support Thuringia's motion in the Federal Council calling for a review of the prequalification process in statutory health insurance. They argue the existing system is overregulated and inefficient.

Photo: © Holzbau Deutschland/Rolando Laube

Craft policy | May 2026

Peter Aicher remains chairman of Holzbau Deutschland

At the board election of the German Timber Construction Association, Peter Aicher was confirmed in his position. His deputies are Volker Baumgarten, Rolf Rombach, and Gerd Renz.

Craft policy | May 2026

Lower sales in the electrical trades

Last year, companies in the electrical trades generated less revenue compared to the previous year, and the number of employees subject to social security contributions also decreased.

Craft policy | May 2026

Pressure on the painting and varnishing trade is increasing

The economic situation in the German painting and decorating trade remains strained. In addition to high cost increases, declining orders from private customers are dampening the industry's revenue expectations.

Craft policy | May 2026

Law for faster procurement passes the Federal Council

The Federal Council has approved the law for the accelerated awarding of public contracts. The German Construction Industry Association (ZDB) says this is an important signal for the entire construction sector.

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.

Right to repair: ZDK warns of liability traps

Crafts and small and medium-sized enterprises: Urgent need for action at EU level

Bureaucracy reduction in Brandenburg: Tradespeople demand consistent implementation

First exchange with Minister Klement: Focus on skilled trades

Healthcare trades are pushing for a reform of prequalification.

Peter Aicher remains chairman of Holzbau Deutschland

Lower sales in the electrical trades

Pressure on the painting and varnishing trade is increasing

Law for faster procurement passes the Federal Council