What We Do

The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) is a European network of craft organisations with the main mission of promoting crafts in Europe. We work to increase awareness and appreciation for crafts, as well as their integral part of the cultural, social, and economic well-being of society.

Our action scope is organised in 5 core areas:

  1. Political – we provide a critical voice, promoting and representing crafts at international and political levels.
  2. Supportive  – we are building a strong and dynamic network through our members, affiliates and strategic partnerships.
  3. Informative – we are an information resource for crafts in Europe.
  4. Educational – we offer training and networking opportunities to the crafts sector to enhance competitiveness in the face of current market and environmental challenges.
  5. Self-sufficiency – we secure funding, through public or private sources, to be able to develop our mission.

Crafts In Europe

European crafts constitute a vital and dynamic sector, exemplifying exceptional diversity rooted in rich cultural traditions and remarkable skills, resulting in a wide array of artisanal products. Embracing various art forms—glass blowing, metalwork, knitting, printing, woodturning, stone carving—the craft realm resists standardised training, production, or marketing, bestowing it with unique vibrancy and individuality.

With the growing disappearance of craft guilds, the once-integral role of master craftsmanship in industry and commerce waned, sparking debates over the value of crafts amidst mass production’s efficiency but less appealing products. The British Arts and Crafts Movement emerged as a response, advocating exquisite design and craftsmanship, gaining global momentum in the late 19th century.

Nowadays, unfortunately we still don’t know the size of the European crafts sector as there are no specific and official statistics on crafts in most countries and much less at European level. This lack of data and information prevents the establishment of policies that favour its competitiveness.

Despite the absence of specific and official statistics on the European crafts sector, its immense potential for economic growth and job creation remains evident. Though comprised of small, fragmented, and dispersed units, crafts offer a sustainable livelihood in both urban and rural areas. However, the sector faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, impacting global energy prices, raw material supply, and purchasing power, and burdening small craft businesses with rigid tax systems.

Crafts have now become synonymous with quality and a slower-paced lifestyle, witnessing a surge in popularity and attracting growing interest. Demonstrating adaptability, production flexibility, and success in international sales through online marketing: craft businesses serve as role models, readily incorporating innovation and forming strategic alliances. The increased flexibility of workspaces, or the creation of collaboration areas are some of the trends that will continue to boost the sector. Furthermore, the rise of consumer concerns about sustainability has opened up an opportunity related to the image and tradition of many crafts because they are often produced locally and are perceived to contribute to the local economy.

ECA in its idea of promoting an in-depth knowledge of the specific needs, characteristics, and vulnerabilities of the European craft sector all along the value chain, through research, mapping with a strong focus on gender equity, diversity, social cohesion; and ongoing and close dialogue with craft stakeholders and other policy sectors (education, youth, science, research and innovation, environment, employment, social affairs, tourism) is conducting a series of reports. You can find those at SECTORIAL RESEARCH.

Consultancy & Advisory

ECA is a network made up of more than 30 regional and national organisations that advocate for crafts in their territories coming from over 20 European countries. This provides us with an unrivalled base expertise, understanding and knowledge of Europe’s craft sector. In order to further empower and strengthen European crafts, we make information about the sector available to citizens, politicians and companies/industries, as well as offer consultancy and advisory services.

Information on the sector can be found on our website in section SECTORIAL RESEARCH. For more information do not hesitate to contact us HERE>>

Advocacy

One of ECA’s main aims is to be active at political level by providing a critical voice, promoting and representing crafts at international and political levels, and advocating on regulatory and policy issues.

There are many challenges the crafts sector is facing in light of the post-Covid-19 pandemic, environmental and economic shifts on the global scale. One of ECA’s main objectives is to actively participate in the political level, offering a thoughtful perspective, and championing crafts on the international and political context. This involves advocating for necessary regulations and policies to support the sector.

ECA activities are focused to address the challenges chartered in the New Green Deal and the Agenda 2030 and achieving objectives defined by the New European Bauhaus outlined in bring to the crafts sector and how the craft sector can contribute to having a greener, more social and sustainable Europe, basing it on collecting data to provide knowledge and insights for a long term Advocacy Plan.

Our goals include:

  • Creating and developing a relationship with the European Union.
  • Conducting regular surveys to analyse and highlight critical challenges facing craft in Europe.
  • Playing an active role profiling internationally.

We want to work for the crafts sector by:

  • Strengthening sustainable competitiveness, as set out in the European Green Deal. Take a look at our Green Charter.
  • Building resilience to react to crises, based on the lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Ensuring social fairness, putting into practice the first principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights: access to education, training and lifelong learning for everybody, everywhere in the EU.
  • Strengthening the contribution of crafts to sustainable development, based on local resources, tourism, and employment.
  • Promoting gender equality and non-discrimination mainstreaming. Take a look at our Toolkit for Change.

Currently we are working on:

  1. Mapping Geographical Indicators. Check our policy paper .
  2. Supporting the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact with respect to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. With this commitment, we express our intent to support the Global Compact advancing these principles, and will make a clear statement of this commitment to our stakeholders and the general public.
  3. Joining the Pact for Skills, a shared engagement and approach to skills development. It is firmly anchored in the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and supports the goals of the Green Deal and the digital transformation, as set out in the Commission communication “A strong Social Europe for Just Transitions.

ECA Strategy 2024-2027

The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) is committed to championing the vital role of craft sector’s in Europe’s cultural, social, and economic landscape. Our strategy outlines how we advocate for the crafts sector, support craftspeople, and promote sustainability, innovation, and tradition. Through a strong network of members and affiliates, we work to elevate the status of crafts, ensuring their continued relevance in a rapidly evolving world.

ECA Strategy 2024-2027>>