European Seismological Commission
The ESC recommended in 1975 that a scientific body undertake the rapid (close to real-time) determination of epicentres of potentially destructive European-Mediterranean earthquakes, as well as the rapid determination of earthquakes of lesser magnitude. This led to the establishment of the EMSC in January 1976, which is today fulfilling this task and many more. The principal aims of the EMSC are to improve cooperation and data exchange from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caspian Sea, and to provide rapid earthquake information in close collaboration with national agencies. It has 76 Institutes and Observatories as members from 49 countries.