Rapid ECDC advice on the designation of future European Reference Laboratories for public health
This document is an update of the rapid scientific advice published in June 2025. It contains recommendations on the EURL(s) for public health to be implemented under the 2026 EU4Health Work Programme. Moreover, in this version, the sections on recommendations for future years and a list of diseases/health issues under consideration have been merged into one section. It also contains recommendations for changes to the steps of the general EURL implementation process.
Summary
ECDC proposes to issue the 2026 call for application for EURLs for public health in the area of:
- Clostridioides difficile infection;
- Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections;
- Mycobacteria; and
- Invasive Bacterial Diseases.
This will ensure continued laboratory support and capacity-building activities for Europe on these high importance/high impact pathogens. The areas are suggested to be covered in four individual EURLs composed of up to five partner institutes. A list of EURLs under consideration for implementation in subsequent calls beyond 2026 is provided. Changes to the processes for application, evaluation and designation of EURLs are proposed.
Rapid ECDC advice on the designation of future European Reference Laboratories for public health
English (290.76 KB - PDF)Read more
This report describes the legal background and the operational laboratory support context in which the implementation of the European Reference laboratories (from here on ‘EURLs’) for public health take place.
Establishment of EU Reference Laboratories for public health in Europe, 2026 edition
English (371.09 KB - PDF)
ECDC is recommending the establishment of four new EU Reference Laboratories (EURLs) for public health.
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