Modern earthquake monitoring in central Balkan region

The central part of the Balkan Peninsula has the key position in the most seismically hazardous region in Europe. The seismological network of Bulgaria, situated in the central part of the Balkan region, consists of 21 analog telemetry seismic stations, including two local networks and the operative centre situated in Sofia. One more local network with 3 digital stations will start operating in the very near future. One 3-component VBB station has been working in Bulgaria since 1996. At present the national network is reorganized with broad-band instruments and digital equipment. The upgrading and development of the modern Bulgarian seismological network fits the quality and possibilities of the other Balkan networks. Modern global communications allows the networks to be connected in near real time without information failures. The most effective tool for seismic hazard assessment and mitigation within the Balkan territory could be the united modern monitoring of seismic activity based on global satellite communications.