Craft policy

Photo: © Paul Grecaud/123RF.com

Crafts policy | June 2026

EU budget: Prioritize SMEs

The European Council is discussing the Multiannual Financial Framework from 2028 onwards. The skilled trades sector is demanding that the strengthening of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) be placed at the center of this process.

Photo: © Jennifer Weyland

Crafts policy | June 2026

Hans-Ulrich Thalhofer is the new CEO in Saarland

The Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts has a new leadership duo: Hans-Ulrich Thalhofer was unanimously elected Managing Director by the General Assembly. His deputy is Tobias Ecker.

Photo: © Central Association of the German Bakery Trade

Crafts policy | June 2026

Increased sales and new business start-ups in the baking trade

Sales in the baking industry rose by 1,3 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. At the same time, the decline in the number of businesses slowed, and the number of new businesses reached a new high of 448, the highest since 2018.

Photo: © HWK Frankfurt-Rhein-Main/Photo Wachendörfer

Crafts policy | June 2026

Together for the future of skilled trades: Reforms are necessary

The employee vice-presidents of the chambers of skilled crafts discussed how the future of skilled crafts can be secured in view of the need for reform.

Photo: © Karsten Hintzmann

Crafts policy | June 2026

Brandenburg: Action program to strengthen the skilled trades

The state government, chambers of crafts and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) have signed the action program "Future of Crafts in the State of Brandenburg", which is valid until 2029.

Photo: © prudencio alvarez/123RF.com

Crafts policy | June 2026

The building cleaning trade rejects the wage demands of the IG Bau (Construction Workers' Union).

The IG Bau union is demanding a two-euro hour increase for all employees in the building cleaning trade. The Federal Guild Association of the Building Cleaning Trade criticizes this demand as being out of touch with economic reality.

Crafts policy | June 2026

State government presents craft report

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

Crafts 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.

Crafts 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.

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.

EU budget: Prioritize SMEs

Hans-Ulrich Thalhofer is the new CEO in Saarland

Increased sales and new business start-ups in the baking trade

Together for the future of skilled trades: Reforms are necessary

Brandenburg: Action program to strengthen the skilled trades

The building cleaning trade rejects the wage demands of the IG Bau (Construction Workers' Union).

State government presents craft report

Sick leave in the field of optometry continues to decline.

The business community wants to support the reform process.