Craft policy

Photo: © WHKT / RG

Crafts policy | June 2026

Defense. Resilience. Craftsmanship.

To discuss the requirements and opportunities for craft businesses arising from the changing security policy situation, the NRW craft sector invited representatives from politics, procurement and practice to a conference.

Photo: © IEGOR LIASHENKO/123RF.com

Crafts policy | May 2026

The cosmetics industry is fighting for mandatory master craftsman certification.

The cosmetics trade is committed to modernizing and standardizing training and having it included in Annex A of the Crafts and Trades Code. At the same time, it aims to achieve greater social recognition of the profession.

Photo: © wangTom/123RF.com

Crafts policy | May 2026

The German Federal Cabinet approves the reform of the Building Code.

The German government has passed an amendment to the building code. A good day for housing construction, says the ZDB (Central Association of the German Construction Industry). However, further measures are needed to make housing construction more affordable.

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Crafts policy | May 2026

Economic experts dampen growth expectations

In their spring forecast, the Council of Economic Experts revised its expected growth rate downwards. They cite the consequences of the war in the Middle East as the reason. The pressure for reform continues to increase, commented the skilled trades sector.

Photo: © SteFan Bröker/SteFans Point Of View

Crafts policy | May 2026

Fireside chat with DGB-NRW chairman Thorben Albrecht

The employee vice presidents of the NRW Chambers of Skilled Crafts discussed the social security systems with Thorben Albrecht, chairman of the DGB NRW.

Photo: © gajus/123RF.com

Crafts policy | May 2026

Harsher penalties demanded for illegal refrigerant trade

The refrigeration and air conditioning industry is calling for stricter penalties against the illegal trade in refrigerants. Industry associations see a need for adjustments to definitions, criminal liability within the supply chain, and investigative powers.

Crafts policy | May 2026

New housing construction in 2025: decline of 18 percent

Last year, 206.600 apartments were completed. That is significantly fewer than in 2024. The ZDB (Central Association of the German Construction Industry) is calling on politicians to take action to reverse this trend by 2027.

Crafts policy | May 2026

"Existential threat": Roofers appeal to the Minister of Economic Affairs

An initiative by German roofers is warning of exploding building material prices that threaten their businesses. To draw attention to their precarious situation, they addressed an open letter to Economics Minister Katharina Reiche.

Crafts policy | May 2026

New figures on the supply of assistive devices

"Wir Versorgung Deutschland" (We supply Germany) has published figures from its industry survey, providing insights into the state of assistive device supply. These figures represent a reliable data basis for health policy decisions.

European Days of Crafts 2027: Register now

Masters and technicians start the new school year

Check presentation for WorldSkills 2026

Main entrance of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts closed

Craft businesses are popular with burglars

Start of apprenticeship: Entry into the skilled trades still possible

European Days of Crafts 2027: Register now

One in three tradespeople already uses AI daily.

Crafts under pressure: Weak demand and difficult financing

New Circular Economy Act: Trades see room for improvement

The skilled trades sector demands practical implementation of the substitute building materials regulation.

Teacher shortage in Brandenburg: Schools face the threat of cancelled classes

Caravan Salon 2026: Experience the future of caravanning

The Unimog is celebrating its birthday

Privileges now also for electric commercial vehicles

European Days of Crafts 2027: Register now

Brusk: Where Bruges combines medieval times and AI

A new world in the zoo of superlatives

Start of apprenticeship: Entry into the skilled trades still possible

With professional textile finishing, you're on the safe side.

Corporate award from "Vocational Training Without Borders"

Mandatory electronic cash registers are expected to come into effect from 2028.

Defense. Resilience. Craftsmanship.

The cosmetics industry is fighting for mandatory master craftsman certification.

The German Federal Cabinet approves the reform of the Building Code.

Economic experts dampen growth expectations

Fireside chat with DGB-NRW chairman Thorben Albrecht

Harsher penalties demanded for illegal refrigerant trade

New housing construction in 2025: decline of 18 percent

"Existential threat": Roofers appeal to the Minister of Economic Affairs

New figures on the supply of assistive devices