New EU reference laboratory for respiratory viruses designated
The European Commission has adopted an Implementing Regulation establishing a new EU reference laboratory (EURL) for public health for respiratory viruses. This marks a significant step in reinforcing the European Union’s capacity to respond to serious cross-border threats.
The new EURL, which has been created in collaboration with ECDC, will be an integral part of the disease networks coordinated by ECDC and is the 10th EURL for public health. Through the disease networks, the EURLs help national public health laboratories by ensuring data comparability and capacity-strengthening on laboratory methods at the EU level. This includes aligning diagnostics and testing for surveillance, notification and reporting of diseases, and pooling scientific expertise across the EU to improve preparedness, rapid detection and response.
The EURL is designated for seven years and is expected to start its activities in 2027, with dedicated funding from the EU4Health programme.
A recent ECDC study highlighted challenges faced by public health laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic, including difficulties in data-sharing and coordination. The study underscored the importance of collaboration and networks in overcoming these barriers; regional and EU-level partnerships proved vital for improving surveillance and communication during the crisis. Establishing the EURL is a key measure to build on these lessons and strengthen the EU’s resilience against future health threats.
Background information
The Regulation 2022/2371 on Serious Cross-Border Threats to Health introduced a legal mandate for the establishment of European reference laboratories in public health. The network of EURLs for public health is operated and coordinated by ECDC. The first six EURLs for public health were designated on 22 March 2024 through the adoption of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/892 and are operational since January 2025. A further three EURLs for public health were designated on 29 November 2024 by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2959, and are expected to be funded and operational by January 2026.
