The Crafting Europe Manifesto 2025 officially debuted on May 22, 2025, at Révélations, the esteemed International Biennial of Fine Craft and Creation, held at the Grand Palais in Paris, France. The launch drew a diverse audience, including representatives from craft organizations, artisans, stakeholders, and policymakers from across Europe.
In response to the rapid shifts in both the cultural and economic landscapes, the European Crafts Alliance (ECA)—a robust network comprising 38 craft organizations from 23 European nations—has issued a revitalized Crafting Europe Manifesto. This document serves as a strategic and reasserted call to action, aiming to secure the future of Europe’s rich and dynamic craft sector.
The original Crafting Europe Manifesto, launched in 2019, was instrumental in amplifying the voices of Europe’s craft professionals, advocating for increased recognition and support at the European policy level. It provided a crucial platform for these professionals to engage directly with European policymakers. While the sector has made significant advancements since then, it has also navigated unprecedented challenges.
Cristina Mendes, President of the European Crafts Alliance (ECA), emphasized the sector’s fundamental importance: “Crafts are at the foundation of Europe’s identity and economy. This manifesto is our sector’s collective vision—and our call for meaningful, sustained policy action.”
The manifesto outlines a comprehensive action plan designed to:
- Acknowledge the Craft Sector’s Impact: Recognize the significant cultural, social, and economic contributions of crafts.
- Champion Human-Centric Creativity: Promote and protect the unique value of human skill and artistic expression in craft.
- Support Growth Through Legislation: Advocate for policies that foster the development and resilience of the craft sector.
- Foster Education and Skill Transfer: Encourage the transmission of traditional knowledge and the development of new skills.
- Drive Innovation and Evolution: Support research and development within the craft sector to ensure its continued relevance.
- Promote and Preserve Craft Heritage: Safeguard Europe’s rich craft traditions and ensure their visibility for future generations.
Laura Miguel Baumann, Secretary General of the European Crafts Alliance, underscored the manifesto’s forward-looking perspective: “With this renewed manifesto, we are calling on EU institutions and national governments to work together to ensure we are not just preserving heritage—but recognizing crafts as a driver of sustainability, identity, and economic resilience.”
