Strong craft businesses can only flourish in a powerful Europe

"Peace, freedom and economic stability cannot be taken for granted. On the contrary, they are key prerequisites for craft businesses in Germany to be able to work, train and invest successfully. A look at our European neighbourhood painfully shows how fragile these foundations can be. 

Europe Day reminds us of what Europe means to us: exactly 80 years ago, our continent was liberated from Nazism. Over the decades, a unique project of peace and prosperity has emerged from the ruins of the Second World War. Europe has developed from a patchwork quilt characterised by war into a stable alliance of values and a strong internal market, to the benefit of German craft businesses and their employees. The skilled crafts sector benefits from Europe's achievements on a daily basis: open borders facilitate the movement of goods, uniform norms and standards create planning security, skilled workers can move freely, supply chains are reliable. All of this strengthens the performance of skilled crafts businesses.  

Security and competitiveness are two sides of the same coin. Only in a secure, stable environment can craft businesses invest, drive innovation and secure employment and training. And vice versa: a strong economy contributes significantly to stability and social cohesion in Europe. This is why it is so important that the EU continues to ensure framework conditions that take into account the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises and companies, because after all, they are the backbone of Europe. 

The new German government has a responsibility to actively help shape the future of Europe based on its clear commitment to a strong, united Europe. The achievements of the European Union must be protected and preserved, all the more so as they are currently under greater pressure than in its entire history. Only in a united and strong Europe can the skilled crafts sector also develop its full strength. And a strong skilled crafts sector makes Europe strong."