Council calls for research to enhance civil protection
The Environment Council adopted a resolution without debate at the end of December, calling on the EU to promote research into the reduction of natural and technological risks. The Council conclusions place the resolution in the context of an unprecedented succession of natural disasters, often caused by severe weather conditions, and the combination of increased technological development and a growing population density. Technological progress is described as having resulted in 'an increase in the risks related to the processing and storage of dangerous substances and the risks related to the increased traffic, including the transport of dangerous substances. ' Further research is needed in order to reduce risks, gain a greater insight into the causes of risks, improve methods for reducing harmful effects, and increasing the ability to forecast certain natural phenomena, so that civil protection measures can be taken in advance, according to the resolution. Ministers call on the Commission and Member States to encourage research projects in these fields, and to promote cooperation between all relevant actors. Policy makers are urged to make use of the possibilities offered by the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) in pursuing these goals.