Although seismic hazard in North-Western European countries like Belgium, Germany and the UK is lower than in countries as Italy, Greece and France, significant seismic events can occur and their direct effects on the building stock as well as the associated socio-economical impact could be important. This particular risk must therefore be carefully considered. An optimal balance between the effective risk and the cost of preventive measures has to be found.
This book contains contributions presented at the international colloquium "Seismic Risk 2008 – Earthquakes in North-Western Europe" organised in Liège on 11 and 12 September 2008 by the Belgian Seismic Group (BeSeiG). This colloquium provided a very interesting opportunity for seismologists, engineers and architects to discuss the specific problems in regions characterised by low to moderate seismic risks.
Foreword 5
Introduction – The moment of departure 9
Letter on Russia 17
Kaliningrad, Russia, July 2013 19
Letter on European defence 27
Brest, France, August 2013 29
Letter on the European institutions 35
Brussels, Belgium, September 2013 37
Letter on colonialism and multicultural Europe 43
Bordeaux, France, September 2013 45
Letter on education in Europe 51
Bruges, Belgium, September 2013 53
Letter on European youth 61
Lund, Sweden, October 2013 63
Letter on migrations in Europe 69
Sofia, Bulgaria, October 2013 71
Letter on citizens 77
Copenhagen, Denmark, October 2013 79
Letter on the rise of populism 85
Budapest, Hungary, November 2013 87
Letter on European solidarity 93
Lisbon, Portugal, November 2013 95
Letter on European memories 101
Riga, Latvia, December 2013 103
As the wind picks up 109
Conclusion – Honfleur, France, December 2013 111
Special thanks 117