EFESME’s 20th anniversary has been more than just a milestone — it has become a journey across Europe to reflect on two decades of commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises in the lift sector.
The 54th National Assembly of ANACAM, held in Rome this June, provided one of the central highlights of this celebration, with a session entirely dedicated to EFESME, its 20th anniversary and its work at European and international level.
The session opened with a commemorative moment retracing the origins of the Federation. Founded in 2005, EFESME’s roots stretch back to the mid-1990s, when early promoters such as Giovanni Cavallaro, Oronzo Centoducati, and Giovanni Ferrarini first envisioned a European organisation capable of representing lift SMEs. The following decade, under the presidency of Roberto Gianfranceschi, ANACAM joined the European Builders Confederation (EBC), further advancing the idea of a unified body for SMEs at European level. Thanks to the determination and vision of figures including Michele Mazzarda, Bruno Vergati, Elio Defusto, and Bruno Venditti of Confartigianato Ascensoristi, EFESME finally became a reality in 2005.
EFESME President Massimo Bezzi recalled this long journey, noting how it was made possible by the dedication of those who believed in the value of Europe and invested their time and skills to give SMEs a strong and recognised voice. He also stressed the importance of continuing to invest not only financial resources but above all human commitment to ensure that EFESME’s role in Brussels remains strong, so that the concerns of SMEs are fully represented in European debates. Quoting Alcide De Gasperi, one of the founding fathers of the European Union, he underlined that European unity and engagement remain the best way to prevent future conflicts and guarantee fairer, more competitive markets.
The celebratory moment was also an opportunity to pay tribute to individuals who played a key role in EFESME’s development. Among those honoured were Oronzo Centoducati, Elio Defusto, Giovanni Ferrarini (represented by his son Ivan), Bruno Venditti (represented by Fabrizio Monaco of Confartigianato), Michele Mazzarda, and Alice Lazioli.
A special plaque was presented to ANACAM in recognition of its institutional support over the past two decades, received on stage by Andrea Codebò. The ceremony also paid tribute to EFESME’s many experts — including Giuseppe Iotti, Ivan Ferrarini, Marco Cogliati, Tiziano Caresani, and Luca Incoronato — whose technical contributions have been essential to the Federation’s success. A particularly heartfelt thank you was addressed to Luciano Faletto, a historical figure in the world of standardisation, for his tireless support and guidance throughout the years.
The Rome Assembly was not only about remembering the past, but also about looking to the future. After the commemorations, President Massimo Bezzi introduced a roundtable rich in technical and regulatory content, covering topics that are rapidly transforming the lift sector. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, new European regulations, and the globalisation of lift standards were all discussed in detail by EFESME’s experts, offering a broad overview of the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs.
President Bezzi set the stage by pointing out that the global lift market is expected to grow at an annual rate of around six percent in the coming years, with artificial intelligence emerging as one of the key drivers. Although currently adopted by only a small percentage of European companies, AI is already having a daily impact, often in ways invisible to users. Bezzi stressed that this is not a passing trend but a structural change that SMEs must learn to embrace, using AI to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability rather than being overwhelmed by it.
In the ever changing context, at the European level, two important pieces of legislation are expected to shape the sector in the coming years: the Data Act, which enters into force in September 2025 and aims to make data more accessible and usable, and the AI Act, adopted in 2024, which establishes harmonised rules for the use of artificial intelligence in Europe, including specific requirements for high-risk applications such as lifts.
MEP Brando Benifei, rapporteur of the AI Act, sent a message of greeting to the Assembly, read by Luca Incoronato. In his address, Mr. Benifei emphasised the importance of ensuring that SMEs are supported by clear rules, adequate resources, and funding opportunities so that they can innovate without being overburdened, including lift SMEs. He stressed that AI should not be seen as an obstacle but as a guarantee of safety and opportunity for the lift sector, which in Europe counts over seven million installations.
Following this, EFESME’s experts offered a closer look at ongoing technical and regulatory developments. Marco Cogliati described how AI is already being applied to predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and even emergency call management, all of which could profoundly change the work of technicians and installers. He also underlined the progress being made in standardisation, particularly regarding interoperability with robots and mobility devices.
Tiziano Caresani then addressed the new Machinery Regulation, which will fully apply from January 2027 and introduces significant novelties such as ergonomic risk assessment, cybersecurity requirements, and updated guides to ensure consistent interpretation across Europe. He also reported on progress made within CEN working groups, including the publication of the new edition of EN 81-41 and the upcoming formal vote on EN 81-42.
The theme of cybersecurity was further developed by Ivan Ferrarini, who explained the implications of the new regulatory framework for lift SMEs. He highlighted how lifts, now increasingly connected remotely, face new vulnerabilities that must be systematically addressed. He discussed the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act, the harmonisation of EN ISO 8100, and the need for practical approaches that avoid placing unsustainable burdens on SMEs.
Finally, Paolo Tattoli, also the moderator of the roundtable, reflected on the globalisation of standards and the growing convergence between lift standards CEN and ISO. He explained that while harmonisation will simplify market access in many countries, it also raises challenges, given that important markets such as the United States, Japan, and Korea remain tied to their own standards. EFESME’s role in these discussions is therefore strategic: by actively participating in international committees, the Federation not only represents SMEs but also promotes understanding of the European model worldwide.
The day in Rome thus offered both a tribute to the Federation’s past and a vision of its future: a reminder that EFESME’s strength lies in the dedication of its people, the support of its partners, and the determination to ensure that SMEs remain at the heart of European and international standardisation.
Grazie, ANACAM! For the magnificent hospitality and friendship shown to EFESME this year as in the past, for the constant support and active presence within the many activities of the Federation.
Together, for the next twenty years!
Rome was one of several stops in EFESME’s anniversary journey, which has already included events in Paris and Madrid.
The celebrations will now continue in Nuremberg during the Interlift fair on 16 October 2025 at 18:00 (Hall 1, Stand B402), with a special gathering dedicated to reflection, networking, and exchange of ideas about the future of the lift sector and the role of SMEs.
The formal conclusion will take place in Brussels on 12 November 2025 at Martin’s Brussels EU Hotel, bringing together sector professionals, institutional stakeholders, and European partners for a night that will close one chapter and open another in EFESME’s history.
***
Read the ANACAM articles HERE and HERE [in Italian].
Read more about the previous events in Paris HERE and in Madrid HERE. For the next event in Nuremberg, click HERE.
Read more about the EFESME 20th Anniversary and the related initiatives HERE.
Contact the EFESME Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions you may have on the event and/or the 20th Anniversary Celebrations!
