As an independent EU Agency, ECDC reports to a Management Board whose members are nominated by the Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission. The Management Board, as well as appointing the Director and holding him accountable for the leadership and management of the Centre, also ensures that the Centre carries out its mission and tasks in line with the founding regulation. The Management board approves and monitors implementation of ECDC’s work programme and budget, it adopts its annual report and accounts - all in all, it acts as the governing body of the Centre. It meets at least twice a year.

According to Article 14(1)(2) of the Founding Regulation, the Management Board shall be composed of one member designated by each Member State, two members designated by the European Parliament and three members representing and appointed by the Commission. The members of the Board shall be appointed in such a way as to secure the highest standards of competence and a broad range of relevant expertise. Alternates who represent the member in his/her absence shall be appointed by the same procedure. Members’ term of office shall be four years.