Optical absorption measurements before and after X-ray irradiation (induced absorption) were performed in order to investigate the radiation damage of the Eu3+-doped Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystals. The Eu3+-doped BGO has shown higher radiation resistance with respect to the equivalently grown undoped BGO crystals. Radio-, photo- and thermo-luminescence characteristics were obtained to clarify the role of Eu3+ in luminescence and scintillation mechanism in Eu3+-doped BGO. Also, the role of Eu3+ in the processes of energy transfer and storage in this material could be explained. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.