Craft policy

Photo: © Chamber of Crafts of the Palatinate

Crafts policy | June 2026

Craftsman's badge in gold for HWK President Dirk Fischer

Dirk Fischer, President of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts of the Palatinate, was awarded the Gold Craftsman's Badge of the Central Association of German Skilled Crafts (ZDH). ZDH President Jörg Dittrich presented the certificate.

Photo: © stevanovicigor/123RF.com

Crafts policy | June 2026

"SecurityCheckNRW" against disinformation and cyberattacks in medium-sized businesses

The state government in North Rhine-Westphalia offers small and medium-sized enterprises a digital education program to support them in defending against disinformation and cyberattacks.

Photo: © WHKT

Crafts policy | June 2026

Chambers of crafts award integration prizes

The seven chambers of skilled crafts in North Rhine-Westphalia, together with the WHKT (Westphalian Chamber of Skilled Crafts), have each awarded one company the Integration Prize. Integration Minister Verena Schäffer says this year's winners are role models that the state needs.

Photo: © happyalex/123RF.com

Crafts policy | June 2026

Reporting portal aims to reduce costs associated with employee secondment

The skilled trades sector welcomes the trilogue agreement on e-declaration as a standardized EU-wide electronic portal for the posting of workers. This is a positive signal for businesses.

Photo: © peshkov/123RF.com

Crafts policy | June 2026

A digital euro is coming.

The European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs has taken a position on the introduction of the digital euro. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) argues that the single currency package could strengthen European payment systems, but must also provide added value for craft businesses.

Photo: © Ralf Kleemann/123RF.com

Crafts policy | June 2026

The skilled trades sector praises the pension reform proposals.

The pension commission has presented its reform proposals. The German pension system is to be restructured with 33 measures. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) welcomes this and hopes that the federal government will implement them as a comprehensive package.

Crafts policy | June 2026

Construction costs are expected to decrease.

The Ministry of Construction has presented an action plan to reduce construction costs. The construction industry views this positively, but also sees room for improvement.

Crafts policy | June 2026

Regional plan Ruhr: Tradespeople demand legal certainty

Following the Higher Administrative Court of Münster's declaration of the Ruhr Regional Plan as invalid, the future of land-use planning remains unclear. The skilled trades sector is demanding legal certainty and a clear roadmap for the next steps.

Crafts policy | June 2026

Working Time Act: Trades criticize draft bill

The Federal Ministry of Labor has released a first draft bill for the reform of the Working Time Act. The skilled trades sector is not satisfied, arguing that the draft is out of touch with the realities of working life.

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.

Craftsman's badge in gold for HWK President Dirk Fischer

"SecurityCheckNRW" against disinformation and cyberattacks in medium-sized businesses

Chambers of crafts award integration prizes

Reporting portal aims to reduce costs associated with employee secondment

A digital euro is coming.

The skilled trades sector praises the pension reform proposals.

Construction costs are expected to decrease.

Regional plan Ruhr: Tradespeople demand legal certainty

Working Time Act: Trades criticize draft bill