The European Union's competence covers a wide range of policy areas that are of relevance to the skilled crafts sector. That is the reason why it is so important for the ZDH (German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and Small Businesses) to be represented in Brussels. The ZDH-European Affairs Division makes the complex decision making processes of European institutions more accessible and transparent for the German skilled crafts organisation by monitoring the political affairs in Brussels and reporting back to the organisation. Furthermore, the European Affairs Division represents the German skilled crafts' interests vis a vis the European institutions with the aim to achieve practical and appropriate policies.