WRITTEN QUESTION E-2447/01

by Luciano Caveri (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 September 2001)

Subject: Weather forecasting in Europe

A brief comparative analysis of weather forecasting systems in the EU Member States shows that responsibilities and organisational arrangements in this area differ considerably according to each country's historical background. A significant example of this can be found in Italy where responsibility, under the state monopoly, has been entrusted to the armed forces, and more specifically to the air force, but where the regions have gradually built up their own forecasting system, partly to make up for the obvious shortcomings in local weather forecasting. Clearly, however, weather forecasting in Europe will, in the international context, increasingly be required to meet harmonisation and standardisation requirements at all levels, from continent-wide reports to the more detailed local weather forecasts.

Will the Commission state what action may European Union may be expected to take in this respect?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 2001)

The concept of harmonising activities in the field of meteorology is not new, the first international meteorological organisation to focus on harmonising weather data exchange was founded in 1880. This co-operation has been continued by the World Meteorological Organisation, founded in 1950 under the United Nations. Constant developments in measurement, calculation, and telecommunication techniques have demanded continuous research and development activities within the meteorological community.

On the basis of its international and interdisciplinary nature, meteorology was included as one of the original seven scientific areas of COST (European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research) when it was founded in 1971. COST is a mechanism of co-operation and of networking of national research. One of the most important outcomes of the first meteorological COST Action was the establishment of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts in Reading, United Kingdom (ECMWF). Although there is considerable variation in responsibilities and organisational arrangements of member countries, there is close cooperation among meteorologists and weather forecast specialists in Europe.

The European Meteorological services established a harmonisation organisation, the Eumetnet. COST and Eumetnet co-operate closely. The COST Meteorology domain promotes co-operation and harmonisation in the meteorological communities' work, not only for governments and armies, but also for university departments, particularly in the case of new research ideas. COST Meteorology also participates in harmonising and standardising of weather forecast methodology.

This co-operation results in the distribution of tasks across the different fora therefore avoiding duplication. Research ideas in the form of COST Action proposals are submitted to the COST Technical Committee on Meteorology. The Technical Committee consults Eumetnet to determine how the new proposal might complement other initiatives before deciding whether to approve the proposal. If there is sufficient interest in the Action (at least five countries intend to sign the Memorandum of Understanding), a new COST Action starts. The results of COST Meteorological Actions are used by national meteorological services, as well as by Eumetnet. COST is involved in the research phase. The costs of the operational phase are covered by national or international organisations.

A list of COST Meteorological Actions is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament.