On 10 December, CRAFTOUR Initiative met with European institutions in Brussels to address a growing blind spot in European policy: the full recognition and revitalisation of crafts as an economic sector and dynamic ecosystem.
CRAFTOUR Policy Recommendations were presented to representatives of DG EAC, DG MOVE, DG RTD, Creative Europe, and UNESCO.
Craeft was represented by Madina Benvenuti and Regina Garcia Nunez from Mad’in Europe, contributing alongside partners from Hephaestuscraft.eu, Tracks4Crafts and Colours4Crafts, all members of the wider CRAFTOUR Initiative.
The presentation highlighted the transversal role of crafts across EU policies – from the green transition and circular economy to tourism, trade, and education.
CRAFTOUR policy recommendations focus on four core objectives:
– Understanding, valorising, and documenting European crafts through a reinforced statistical knowledge.
– Safeguarding and promoting the authenticity of European crafts.
– Empowering transmission of skills and know-how through formal and non-formal education.
– Reinforcing viable business models in the European craft sector
The discussion raised critical questions, such as:
“Do we really want PVC windows in our castles?”, a powerful reminder of how policy choices can directly impact our heritage, identity, and sustainability.
As Europe seeks sustainable solutions for its future, crafts embody principles the EU urgently needs: circularity, low-waste production, repair culture, resilience, creativity and regional identity. Yet, crafts remain largely absent from cultural, innovation, business, green-policy and educational frameworks.
Recognising crafts as a strategic asset, rather than a marginal sector, is essential for Europe’s green and social transition.
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CRAFTOUR Policy Recommendations for the Revitalisations of the European Crafts
