ECA Policy Forum

Beyond the Findings:
What’s Next for European Craftsmanship?
Reflections from Recent Studies on the European Craft Sector

10 December 2025, 11.00 CET | Online

This event is free, open to all, and will be especially relevant for craft organisations, cultural networks, researchers, and policymakers.

About

In recent months, two significant publications have contributed valuable insights into the current state and future potential of the European craft sector:

Both studies highlight the challenges, opportunities, and policy directions shaping the craft ecosystem in Europe. Both come to the same clear conclusion: Europe’s craft sector, estimated at €50 billion, is being held back because it remains largely invisible in politics and statistics.

At the heart of the problem is the absence of a shared EU-wide definition. Without it, regulations are fragmented, reliable data such as NACE codes do not exist, and funding opportunities are out of reach. Together, the reports offer a complementary perspective on how to provide the sector with formal legal recognition and targeted support.

This event aims to present the key outcomes of both documents, explore their interconnections, and discuss how their recommendations can inform future initiatives and policy developments at European level.

Programme (CET)

11:00 – 11:05 | Welcome and introduction
Short welcome by ECA President Ana Cristina Mendes, introducing the objectives of the session and the speakers.

11:05 – 11:25 | Presentation of key findings
White Paper on European Craftsmanship – Félix Sanz, Lead Researcher, FOACAL
Study on Cross-cutting Priorities for the European Crafts Sector – Audrey Aubard, Lead Researcher, Aubard Consulting for ECA

11:25 – 11:45 | Panel discussion: From recommendations to action
Moderated by ECA: discussion on how the findings can be translated into practical measures, policy approaches, and future collaborations across the European craft ecosystem.

11:45 | Q&A session
Open floor for participants to raise questions, share experiences, and comment on the proposed recommendations.

Language & How to Join

We will have speakers presenting in both Spanish and English. To help make sure everyone can follow along (and as part of our push for more language diversity), the event will be hosted on an online platform with the live translated captions (CC) turned on.

Please note: The final link to join the event will be sent to your email at the beginning of December. (Keep an eye on your inbox!)

About the Publications

White Paper on European Craftsmanship (FOACAL, 2025)
The White Paper published by Foacal makes the case that European craftsmanship is not just part of our cultural heritage but also a key driver of local economies and sustainable development. Yet despite its importance, the sector remains held back by fragmented regulations and a lack of visibility in official statistics. The paper offers a detailed look at the resilience, market potential, and digital transformation needs of the craft sector, and proposes a modernized way to classify craft trades. It concludes with a 10-year roadmap (2026–2035), calling on policymakers to introduce harmonized legal recognition — such as a dedicated NACE code and a European Artisan Statute — alongside targeted funding and measures to encourage generational renewal, ensuring a strong future for European craftsmanship.

Study on Cross-cutting Priorities for the European Crafts Sector and the Creative Europe Programme (ECA, 2025)
The ECA study argues that the European craft sector, despite its significant 50 billion € market value, is politically fragmented and lacks a harmonized EU definition, leading to incomplete support – as it is often inadequately grouped within the broader “Cultural and Creative Industries” (CCIs). The report analyses the sector’s challenges and strengths against key EU cross-cutting priorities… It concludes by recommending a new roadmap focused on strengthening political lobbying, establishing a clear definition, and aligning EU funding to better support the sector’s specific needs in skills, sustainable growth, and technology.

Speaker Profiles

Audrey Aubard
Audrey Aubard is an international consultant and founder of Aubard Consulting, the firm commissioned to produce the ECA’s “Study on Cross-cutting Priorities for the European Crafts Sector.” She is also the General Secretary of AFIGIA (French Federation of GIs) and a senior legal expert specializing in EU policy and quality schemes, advising organizations like the EUIPO and WIPO. Her work focuses on helping sectors navigate legal frameworks to gain official recognition. She teaches quality schemes and strategy at Bordeaux 3 University and holds a Master’s degree in European and International Law.
LinkedIn

Félix Sanz Sastre
Félix Sanz Sastre is the Managing Director of FOACAL (Federation of Craft Organisations of Castilla y León), the organization that published the “White Paper on European Craftsmanship.” A leading voice in Spanish craft policy, he also directs the CEARCAL national craft training center and sits on the board of OficioyArte. With a background in Art History and Cultural Industries Management, his work focuses on professionalizing the sector, developing national craft qualifications, and organizing major conferences. Félix is also a practicing visual artist and ceramist.
LinkedIn | FOACAL | Instagram