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Statement before the Regional Development Committee |
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Bulgarian MEP Filiz Hyusmenova made a statement before the Regional Development Committee whose Vice President she is. The statement is part of the process of preparing the European Parliament report on the regional impact of earthquakes. Ms. Hyusmenova is a “hidden reporter” to this report and will continue to take part in its writing and make proposals regarding its content. June 26, 2007
My experience as a former Minister of State Policy for Disasters and Accidents has directed me towards several key issues that I believe should be addressed.
In seismically active regions, earthquakes are natural disasters posing the highest risk. Following the 1970s, earthquakes rank first among natural disasters, their victims and damages being about 35% more than those caused by floods and tropical cyclones. The Balkan Peninsula, part of which Bulgaria is, ranks second in the world in seismic activity, preceded only by the Pacific Ocean belt. The region is highly urbanized and the population is concentrated around seismic zones. That is why natural disasters have a strong negative impact on the economy. The conclusion that can be drawn is that the natural disaster threat should be precisely taken into account when developing the regional policy of the Community and its member states and in planning the regions’ sustainable development.
The second no less important question is that of the prevention and management of crises related to natural disasters. In the light of the Lisbon strategy renewed goals, special attention should be devoted to early warning and building research centers in regions at risk from earthquakes. Subject of discussion should be the available capacity for the above activities – universities, specialized state institutions, exchange of scientific knowledge, experience and staff, and the effective ties between scientists and state bodies that steer the policy for earthquake prevention. The exchange of practices and experience between states and regions threatened by earthquakes should also be considered in this context. I believe that it is necessary to encourage activities related to cooperation among regions at risk from earthquakes, and to follow up the support to the efforts of the international community for the prevention of earthquakes and their consequences.
Procedure will only benefit from an analysis of the existing order of providing financial support in the event of earthquakes, especially with regard to the ongoing process of making European funds more accessible. Continuing target financing aimed at supporting the seismic monitoring in member states and their adjacent territories should also be discussed.
I believe these considerations to be useful in drafting the resolution on the regional impact of earthquakes.
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