Strengthening European cooperation – targeted support for SMEs

Munich, 13 March 2025 - The European Crafts Conference as part of ZUKUNFT HANDWERK and the International Crafts Fair (IHM) in Munich has impressively demonstrated how central the skilled crafts sector is to Europe's future. Representatives from politics and European craft organisations from France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg and Germany, as well as with the support of SMEunited, exchanged views on urgent challenges and necessary political decisions during the two days of the conference.

“At the European Skilled Crafts Conference, we talked about securing skilled labour, competitiveness and sustainability - with exciting insights and strong solutions. Whether in France, Italy, Greece, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Luxembourg or Austria, the skilled crafts sector stands for responsibility, reliability and innovation everywhere. And above all for people who get things done”, was the conclusion of Jörg Dittrich, President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and Small Businesses (ZDH), after two intensive conference days.

A key topic at the conference was the increasing bureaucracy that is burdening many companies in the European single market. “Instead of focusing on their core business, many enterprises are struggling with more controls, reporting obligations and bureaucracy. This hampers innovation and harms the economy. Clear rules, streamlined procedures and fewer reporting obligations are the key to ease the burden on our enterprises and enable growth,’ emphasised ZDH President Dittrich.  

In view of the major challenges facing Europe - from climate change and migration to security policy - the participants agreed across borders that practical solutions are needed instead of complicated guidelines. “Now is the time to clearly identify the problems and find solutions. If we succeed in doing this, we will secure our prosperity and shape a good future: for the skilled crafts and for Europe”, summarised ZDH President Dittrich.  

One of the highlights of the conference was the keynote speech by former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, which provided valuable input for the future direction of the European craft sector. In direct dialogue with political decision-makers and EU officials from Brussels, it became clear that the craft sector needs a stronger voice in European politics in order to be able to make its contribution to a sustainable and competitive economy.

The European Crafts Conference has provided important input. Now it is crucial that politicians make decisions that strengthen the skilled crafts sector and reduce bureaucracy.

Further information on the conclusions of the European Crafts Conference: