The International Association of Painting Contractors (UNIEP) represents 60,000 businesses through its 22 Member Associations in 15 European Countries and employs 280,000 Professional Painters. Since 1953, UNIEP has been the authoritative trade association representing Professional Painters. Across the European Union, UNIEP represents and defends the interests of the Painting sector, and works on the image of the profession through the improvement of skills and competences in order to ensure a qualified future for Painters and Decorators. Uniep is a full Member of UEAPME, the European Social Partner for Craft and SMEs. Our Mission: - To promote the knowledge and the importance of the innovation within the Painting/Decorating branch of the Construction sector in Europe - To analyse threats and opportunities in the profession, finding common solutions through the exchange of experiences and best practices - To meet the needs of the businesses and the decorative coating market carrying on European projects - To improve professional training of teachers/tutors and education for young painters Our Activities: - Information and Communication through the publication on the web site of a Newsletter, a Policy Grid on EU legislation and an Annual report - Lobbying activities before the EU institutions on EU major issues of interest for the painting-construction sector - EU Projects dealing with skills/competences, vocational training, mobility of apprentices, tutorship, research and innovation