We are pleased to present the report “Legal and Policy Frameworks of Crafts in Europe: Approaches at the State Level”, prepared by the Latvian Academy of Culture for the Tracks4Crafts project. The study examines policy sources and legal frameworks related to crafts at the national level across European countries and provides an analysis of crafts-related terminology in the periodic reports on the national implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Drawing on qualitative research methods, the study combines document analysis, expert questionnaires, and interviews with cultural policy and legal specialists. It covers national approaches in EU Member States as well as selected non-EU countries, with a particular focus on pilot cases including Belgium, Greece, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, and Switzerland. The report pays special attention to how crafts are defined, who the key stakeholders are, and how responsibilities are distributed across cultural, economic, heritage, and educational policy domains.
A significant part of the analysis explores legal frameworks affecting crafts, including professional status, intellectual property protection, labeling practices, and support instruments such as grants, subsidies, and tax incentives. The report also situates crafts within broader frameworks such as the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting the role of traditional craftsmanship as living heritage.
The report served as an important reference for our policy brief but also to the open community of researchers, and practitioners seeking to strengthen the sustainability, visibility, and recognition of crafts in Europe.
Read the full report: “Legal and Policy Frameworks of Crafts in Europe: Approaches at the State Level”.
Explore more
Explore Accelerator4Crafts for more curated resources such as reports, thematic cards, tutorials, and video content focused on craft knowledge transmission, legal frameworks, and policy recommendations.