"Right to repair": a strong signal and valuable message for the trades.

The law promoting the repair of goods passed the Bundesrat (Federal Council) on July 10, 2026. The law transposes the EU directive into national law and is scheduled to come into force on July 31 for most purchase contracts concluded from the end of July 2026 onwards. Kurt Krautscheid, President of the Koblenz Chamber of Skilled Crafts, comments on the new "right to repair".

Smart meter rollout should be faster

The German government wants to accelerate the smart meter rollout in Germany and implement it two years earlier than previously planned. The ZVEH (Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades) welcomes this, but warns against shifting obligations from metering point operators to customers.

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.

A recent flash survey conducted by the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts regarding the relief bonus has revealed that many businesses feel overwhelmed by it. (Photo: © rioblanco/123RF.com)

Read aloud:

The relief bonus is overwhelming many craft businesses.

The Chambers of Crafts in Germany - Chamber of Crafts Münster

April 2026

A recent flash survey conducted by the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts revealed that companies are criticizing the passing of costs onto businesses.

In the current political debate about a tax- and contribution-free relief bonus for employees, the skilled trades sector criticizes the shifting of the financing burden onto businesses. "In practice, the planned relief bonus leads to government-intended relief being unilaterally shifted onto businesses, creating additional financial pressure. Especially in the skilled trades, which are already suffering massively from increased energy, material, and labor costs, this cost shifting further exacerbates the economic situation and significantly restricts their room for maneuver," explains Jürgen Kroos, President of the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts.

The Chamber of Skilled Crafts conducted a flash survey among businesses within its district. 1.536 employers participated. The results show that many businesses currently do not feel able to implement the bonus: around half of the respondents (51 percent) are not planning any payment, and just over a third (36 percent) are still undecided. Only a minority intend to grant the bonus in full (7 percent) or partially (6 percent). Accordingly, nine out of ten businesses view the measure as an additional financial burden, and almost half even consider it a significant burden.

The companies cite the general trend in costs (72 percent) and their current profitability (57 percent) as the most significant influencing factors. Uncertainties in economic development and staffing levels also play a role. In their feedback, business owners particularly criticize the lack of offsetting measures, the shifting of government relief measures onto businesses, and the already heavy burden of increased energy and operating costs. "Many companies are thus faced with the difficult decision of either meeting the expectations of their employees or securing their own economic stability," says Kroos.

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Further news from the district of the Chamber of Crafts Münster

Text: Chamber of Crafts Münster / handwerksblatt.de

High-tech from the skilled trades at the Hanover Fair

Five suppliers from the Münsterland region are presenting the combination of craftsmanship and high-tech at the joint stand of the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts at the Hannover Messe trade fair.

April 2026

Operations management

Crafts sector largely rejects relief bonus

The €1.000 crisis bonus is being largely rejected by the skilled trades sector, according to a survey by plancraft. More than half of all businesses are unwilling or unable to pay it, while one in ten is already planning to pay the full amount. "This creates inequality and dissatisfaction," critics say.

May 2026

The Chambers of Crafts in Germany - Chamber of Crafts Münster

Craft business owners want freedom of choice when it comes to retirement provision

The skilled trades sector in the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts district is generally open to a reform of the pension system for the self-employed. This was the result of a survey conducted by the Chamber.

July 2026

The Chambers of Crafts in Germany - Chamber of Crafts and Trades of Saarland

Participation in the internship week is still possible

During the Saarland internship week, craft businesses can once again present themselves as attractive training companies and get in touch with potential trainees at an early stage.

June 2026

Craft policy

Hopes for an upswing are fading.

The German government has halved its growth forecast for the current year and now expects an increase in gross domestic product of only 0,5 percent. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) says that the stalled reforms threaten small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the skilled trades.

April 2026

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