Once again, Turkey has had to face a strong earthquake a few weeks ago and once again, people have had to suffer deaths, injuries and loss of properties.

What is the situation now in Europe, as regards mitigation of the seismic risks? When looking at the results, we have the impression that the efforts that we all make in the different domains covered by earthquake engineering have little impact on real life. Nevertheless, we have to go on because we know that these efforts shall produce their effects in the long run. But these efforts are not sufficient and a political will is necessary to promote research and to aid in the upgrading of buildings. On this aspect, I do not feel that major progresses are obvious. Therefore, we have to push all those who take political and economical decisions to take into consideration the safety of citizens as regards earthquakes.

In practical terms, our European Association, with its working and task groups, with its periodic conferences and regional seminars, can federalise and support the efforts of the national associations to some extent. This is the spirit of the modifications of the statutes which are proposed to the national members. This change shall allow for a widening of membership to enhance the motivation to participate in the different activities. It shall also introduce the possibility of collecting funds to offer a financial support for research or educational projects proposed by our members. This can be a good opportunity to develop co-operation between our members in participating in common projects. This evolution can also make our Association more visible to the decision makers of the European Union.

During the last period, a very good progress has been made in the transposition of Eurocode 8, in which many members are involved. Finally, this shall be a good tool for aseismic construction in Europe. It shall also be a framework for a complete field of research in earthquake engineering, as its future evolution shall require a lot of new results and scientific developments.

The preparation of the XIIth ECEE in London is now in its final stage and our British colleagues who bear the huge responsibility of its organisation now suffer the anxiousness which has invaded all those who have been in charge of such a big event. I am sure that this conference shall be of high interest as regards the various scientific themes which are scheduled and shall be a very good success for its organisation. I trust that this shall be an excellent occasion for friendly exchange and I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the conference.

Philippe Bisch