* Regulating trade and commerce: Guilds established standards for the quality of goods produced and services provided by their members. They also set prices and wages, and limited competition.
* Providing training and education: Guilds offered apprenticeships and other forms of training to new workers. They also maintained schools and libraries to help members stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.
* Promoting social welfare: Guilds provided a variety of social welfare benefits to their members, including health insurance, disability insurance, and death benefits. They also organized social events and activities for members and their families.
* Protecting the interests of their members: Guilds lobbied governments to pass laws and regulations that favored their members. They also represented their members in court and other legal proceedings.
Guilds played an important role in the development of European society during the Middle Ages. They helped to ensure the quality of goods and services, provided training and education, and promoted social welfare. They also played an important role in the development of European democracy by giving artisans and merchants a voice in government.