EDA’s ‘message of peace’ for Ukraine
22 March 2022
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine moves into a 27th day, the European Demolition Association (EDA) has issued a “message for peace”, saying its members stand together to condemn the military action and proactively support the protection of life and liberty.
The full text of the message from the EDA, which represents national demolition associations, contractors and equipment manufacturers across the European continent, is as follows:
The EDA, seen here hosting an event on its study tour of Japan in 2019, said it will make a donation to a shelter in Poland for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. (Photo: EDA)
“The EDA condemns the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the unacceptable pain, suffering, and loss of lives.
“Within the construction industry, demolition represents quite often the end-of-life. When we come, it is to break, separate and remove what is left of a building, a structure, or a factory.
“By doing so, we enable the space and the materials to become something else.
“But we see no point in the destruction, invasion and war generated in Ukraine to the citizens.
“EDA is a professional community, and we do not have the proper knowledge about what led to the war, but we believe there is no possible justification for violence and death.
“We condemn the current situation, with people being killed or forced to seek refuge outside their countries, and we call on Russian leaders to stop the war.
“We do not know what the solution to the conflict is, and different countries are providing different measures of support (from sending weapons to blocking Russia economically).
“As a professional community, EDA brings associations, companies, and people together. Related to our activities of demolition, decontamination and recycling, but people, nevertheless.
“Since we also have colleagues in Russia, part of the EDA community, we see no point in the demolition of the bridges to share and exchange, we have built over the years.
“Instead, we want to send a message for peace. A sign to express the deep sorrow for the war but also the hope to urgently improve the current situation.
“EDA will make a donation to support the refugees and victims of the war in Ukraine.
“The EDA donation comes from the funds of the association and will be made to a shelter in Poland, providing support to families with children coming from Ukraine.
“If possible, we encourage the National Associations and individual companies involved in our demolition community to help, donate and support the people from Ukraine.
“In a special way, we recommend our National Associations to reach out to the authorities in their country and offer work in our companies and our industry for refugees.
“We stand together to condemn the military action and proactively support the protection of life and liberty.”
