ECDC hosts annual meeting of the European Respiratory Viruses Network

Participants took part in a series of discussions on key public health topics, including:

• ECDC’s new guidance on the surveillance of respiratory viruses in the EU. Developed in collaboration with Member States, the guidance aims to support integrated respiratory virus surveillance systems that can better inform disease prevention and control measures.
• Information on how personal data are processed and shared within the EU. 
• The importance of surveillance of zoonotic influenza at the animal–human interface, and on the need to continue strengthening laboratory and sequencing capacities across Member States. 
• The newly designated EU Reference Laboratory for Public Health in the area of Respiratory Viruses (EURL-PH-RESVIR), including planned activities ahead of the laboratory becoming operational in 2027. 
• How surveillance data can support a better understanding of the health impact of respiratory viruses, inform immunisation programmes, and improve communication during public health emergencies.

ECDC networks bring together experts from the EU/EEA and partner countries to support the coordinated surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases across Europe. Annual network meetings provide an opportunity for countries to exchange experiences, discuss emerging public health challenges, strengthen collaboration, and align approaches to surveillance, preparedness and response.