Strengthening EU Laboratory capacity: the Network of European Union Reference Laboratories for Public Health meets in Stockholm

The two-day event brought together experts from the European Commission, ECDC, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, the World Health Organization, and representatives from each EURL-PH. The event was officially opened by ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner and Director-General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission, Sandra Gallina.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation within the network, consolidating coordination practices, and defining priorities for laboratory support across the EU. Participants also exchanged views on how to maximise the added value of the EURL‑PH network in supporting Member States.

EURL-PHs play an important role in strengthening EU laboratory capacity and contribute significantly to the anticipation and early detection of communicable disease outbreaks as well as, to broader health security preparedness.

The network is currently composed of ten EURL-PHs designated by the European Commission. The first six became operational in January 2025, the next three in January 2026, and the tenth will become operational in January 2027. In addition, a further four (for which calls are in process) will become operational in 2028.