As we step into this new year, the European demolition industry finds itself at a crossroads. 2025 marks a pivotal moment, offering a chance to build on past achievements and to prepare ourselves to face the challenges that await us and the opportunities ahead. 

As you may know, the landscape that opens in front of us is shifting, with an enormous demand for innovation, sustainability, and skilled labour. Things that have never been more urgent.

Undoubtedly, sustainability will take a leading role this year. The increasing tightening of the regulations on waste management and carbon emissions represents an undeniable push toward eco-friendly demolition practices. It is now time for us to adapt and lead the task of adopting green methods, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental standards. 

This being my last year as president, I am very proud to admit that the European Demolition Association, EDA, is actively engaged with the European Commission in shaping the future of demolition waste management. But, in addition to the importance of sustainability, we have to outline what is a bigger problem that we, as an industry, have to manage this year: the shortage of skilled labour. A shortage that affects each step of the demolition process and the industry itself. 

Now that we have identified the problem, it is the perfect time to face it and take action all together. We must interiorise the European Union for ideas in this term but also learn and refine the roles that take part in the process.

In this regard, the EDA’s newest publication, ‘EDA Guide about Roles and Career Development in Demolition’, launched this month, represents a delightful way to start the year. It has been made possible by the working groups that EDA launched in collaboration with the European Decontamination Institute, which aims to serve as a basis for developing training courses for the various roles involved in demolition activities.

I am particularly proud of this document because it assesses the vital challenges for this year as it is intended to assist demolition and decontamination companies and organisations offering training courses. It further provides a comprehensive framework that outlines the potential career paths, job descriptions, and the educational and training requirements necessary to carry out these tasks safely and efficiently. 

 In conclusion, as we move forward in 2025, I am confident that innovation, education, and collaboration will drive us to become a stronger industry. Together, we can build a brighter future for our sector and for the communities we serve.

About EDA

The EDA was founded in 1978 and is the leading platform for national demolition associations, demolition contractors and suppliers. The EDA has a strong focus on developments in Europe, which are of interest to the demolition industry.

info@europeandemolition.org
www.europeandemolition.org