Latvian Academy of Culture Researchers Shape European Craft Policy
With the participation of researchers from the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC), several issues related to the development of craftsmanship are being addressed on an international scale, tackling the challenges of fragmented craft ecosystems. By the end of last year, policy recommendations were developed and presented to the European Commission, while in January 2026, the future of craftsmanship will be discussed at two international conferences in Antwerp and Brussels.
These activities highlight the transversal role of crafts across several European Union (EU) policy areas – from green policy and energy to trade, health and safety, the circular economy, tourism, and youth participation policy. In the search for sustainable solutions for the future, crafts bring to the forefront a range of pressing issues: the circular economy, low-waste production, repair culture, flexibility, creativity, and regional identity. At the same time, crafts remain insufficiently integrated into policies of culture, innovation, entrepreneurship, green policy, and education.
These initiatives are implemented within the framework of the "CRAFTOUR" project – a European cross-sectoral collaboration platform supported by the EU's research and innovation program "Horizon Europe." The platform unites 75 partners from 21 countries. The LAC participates as one of the partners in the "Tracks4Crafts" project, contributing research and analytical insights to the development of policy recommendations and the strengthening of the craft ecosystem, emphasizing its cultural, economic, social, and environmental value.
Policy recommendations
The developed policy recommendations address a significant challenge in European policy – the full recognition and strengthening of craftsmanship as an economic sector and a dynamic ecosystem. The recommendations focus on four key objectives: (1) understanding, evaluating, and documenting European craftsmanship by improving statistical knowledge; (2) preserving and promoting the authenticity of European crafts; (3) fostering the transfer of skills and knowledge through formal and non-formal education; (4) strengthening viable business models in the European crafts sector.
Policy recommendations are available here: https://projects.madineurope.eu/craftour/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2025/12/CRAFTOUR-FULL-FINAL-DOCUMENT-Policy-recommendation.pdf
“CRAFTOUR” scientific conference
The scientific conference will take place on 29 January 2026 at the University of Antwerp (Belgium) and will bring together leading researchers, academics, and practitioners for a day of reflection, debate, and knowledge exchange. Following the opening session and a keynote address by Professor Gunnar Almevik (University of Gothenburg), the programme will continue with three roundtable discussions. Conference agenda and speakers: https://projects.madineurope.eu/craftour/scientific-conference-antwerp/
“CRAFTOUR” conference for policymakers
The conference will take place on 30 January 2026 in Brussels at the European Parliament (Belgium). It will be opened by Member of the European Parliament Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who will call for the full integration of crafts into European policy, highlighting their importance across other key sectors and their value in the areas of heritage, local identity, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and sustainable innovation. The conference will conclude with the presentation of a shared vision for strengthening the role of crafts in Europe and the delivery of concrete policy recommendations. More about the conference: https://projects.madineurope.eu/craftour/craftour-general-conference/
Information prepared by:
Baiba Tjarve,
baiba.tjarve@lka.edu.lv