Communication to the Commission on Earthquakes
A booklet entitled "Communication to the Commission on Earthquakes", has been published by DG XII of the European Commission. Produced within the framework of the Environement and Climate programme, the booklet is intended to serve as a starting point for discussions on the development of a concerted Community strategy in this important research area. The "Communication" highlights the main features of research being undertaken in the field of earthquakes within the context of the Community's research programmes, as well as a number of other EU action areas. The main elements of research in relation to earthquakes are covered by the specific RTD programme in the field of Environment and Climate (Fourth Framework Programme). Certain research areas are, however, also covered by other specific programmes and within the direct action research of the Joint Research Centre. In view of the risks presented by earthquakes, as well as their social and economic consequences, the Communication calls on the Commission to adopt the following actions: - Take the necessary measures, using integrated communication and information systems, to help bring all available earthquake records together and process the earthquake data in a uniform manner, with a view to providing the European scientific and engineering community with access to comprehensive data; - Undertake a review, within the context of the completion of the internal market, of experimental application of Eurocodes (in the form of European pre-building standards), in particular Eurocode 8 for the design and construction of buildings and civil engineering works in seismic regions, and take all appropriate measures to ensure the national application of these codes; - Take all necessary measures to advance and reinforce international cooperation, in particular with Japan and the United States of America. To this end exploratory discussions should be held with the appropriate government departments in these countries; - Give further attention, within the context of the EC's Fifth Framework Programme, to earthquake research needs, with a view to including it under the appropriate theme (e.g. Unlocking the resources of the living world and ecosystems).