Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002091/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
Greece, as one of the most seismically active areas in the EU, faces intense and continuous seismic activity due to the presence of many fault lines inside the country as well as in the wider region.
The earthquake in Santorini did not cause damage but had an impact on tourism. Then, in Evia, serious damage was recorded in over 50 houses and structures, with some buildings deemed possibly unfit for habitation.
The morphology of the soil in Evia complicates inspections and interventions, making them slower and more expensive.
Despite the fact that the earthquakes are of moderate intensity (below five on the Richter scale), their frequency causes significant damage and hardship to citizens.
This state of affairs, in addition to causing uncertainty and anxiety among citizens, often has human victims.
It is noted that some 30 % of schools are not designed to be earthquake-proof, while a further 30 % comply with an obsolete regulation from 1959.
At the same time, there is a clear impact on the economic climate, especially in the tourism sector.
- 1.Greece can make use of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) whenever necessary to monitor the effects of and coordinate actions with regard to an earthquake. Are the corresponding national services aware of how they can benefit from the service, if necessary?
- 2.Have there been requests from Greece for monitoring land deformation or drawing up evacuation plans for a future incident?
- 3.Does the Commission consider that seismicity is sufficiently taken into account in the preparation of cohesion policies?
Submitted: 23.5.2025