MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on protecting and promoting the skilled crafts sector

B9‑0199/2020

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on protecting and promoting the skilled crafts sector

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 143 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas businesses in Europe’s skilled crafts sector perform a social function and play an essential economic role in creating jobs;

B. whereas the Digital Europe programme will invest in the creation of digital innovation hubs to enhance business competitiveness;

C. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on the finances, output and hiring capacity of businesses in the skilled crafts sector;

1. Urges the Commission to introduce specific financial instruments to support the skilled crafts sector, in particular to encourage the sector to digitalise and step up its online presence;

2. Calls on the Commission to introduce specific measures to make it easier for the skilled crafts sector to take out loans;

3. Calls on the Commission to create new training opportunities tailored to SMEs in the skilled crafts sector.