EUROPE NEEDS ACTION ON DISASTER EARLY WARNING SYSTEM - LIZ LYNNE

12.00.00am GMT Wed 12th Dec 2007

A coordinated, multilingual early warning system across the EU could save lives during developing emergencies, but faster action is needed to set it up, according to a Liberal Democrat MEP.

Liz Lynne MEP, Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, has co-authored a Written Declaration (similar to an Early Day Motion at Westminster) to call for such a system to be established without delay. If signed by over half of MEPs before it lapses in February the subject will be debated in the European Parliament.

Speaking today Liz Lynne said:

"What I am calling for is faster progress towards setting up an early warning system to provide public warnings on imminent or emerging serious events, such as widespread flooding or a poisonous chemical leak."

Notice would spread via all available means of technology, such as SMS text message, television or siren with instructions on what to do next.

Liz added:

"The frustrating thing is it is provided for in existing legislation and been called for by Parliament, but progress is slow, which it is why my colleagues and I felt it was necessary to push for quicker action. The sooner the system is in place the better, as it would give citizens an extra level of security in emergencies.

"I am pleased that in the short time since this declaration was launched an encouraging number of my colleagues have signed up. Getting a formal parliamentary debate on this subject would be a major step towards this new system saving lives."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Written Declaration (text below), if signed by over half of Members before the 26th of February 2008, will prompt a debate on the subject in the European Parliament. 80 Members have so far signed.

Written declaration on early warning for citizens in major emergencies

The European Parliament,

A. acknowledging the importance of efficient early warning (EW) for citizens in case of imminent or developing major emergencies, with a view to reducing suffering and the loss of human life,

B. aware that the establishment of EW and alert systems has been repeatedly requested by Parliament and is provided for in several existing and upcoming legislative acts,

C. whereas EW systems involve warning authorities through risk-dependent (natural, technological, social) regional networks and alerting citizens via telecommunications networks (radio, TV, sirens, mobile phones, etc.),

D. whereas the EU lacks a general, multilingual, simplified and efficient system for alerting citizens about imminent or developing emergencies and whereas the implementation of such a system is directly relevant to several EU policies (telecommunications, environment, health, internal security and civil protection) and also affects others (transport, energy and tourism),

E. whereas the EU should establish such a system to promote life-saving behaviour for threatened citizens in combination with appropriate information and training campaigns,

1. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to implement the necessary processes and resources for developing an efficient EW system for citizens in case of imminent or developing major emergencies throughout the EU;

2. Calls on the Commission to present appropriate legislative proposals in this field, taking into account all the risks and policies involved;

3. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council and the Commission.