Epidemiological surveillance and networking of laboratories

The Centre would develop epidemiological surveillance at European level. In this work, the Centre could either use its own staff, staff from the dedicated surveillance networks (DSN), or, in some instances, it could subcontract tasks to a national centre of excellence. The Centre could also identify and maintain networks of reference laboratories, and enhance the quality assurance schemes of microbiological laboratories. 

Early Warning and Response

To be effective the early warning and response system (EWRS) requires ‘around the clock' availability of specialists in communicable diseases. Whilst the responsibility for action will remain with Member States and the Commission, technical operation of the EWRS would be undertaken by the Centre and its networks.

Scientific opinions

Public health decisions have to be based on independent scientific evidence. Scientific issues arising in the area of communicable diseases vary widely, ranging from questions of clinical medicine and epidemiology through to standardisation of laboratory procedures. Creating one permanent scientific committee to cover all these issues would not, therefore, be appropriate. The Centre would, instead, bring together scientific expertise in specific fields through its various EU-wide networks and via ad hoc scientific panels.

Technical Assistance and Communication

The Centre's rapid reaction capacity could cover more than the European Union itself, to similar structures in such areas as the EEA/EFTA, and candidate countries. When requested, it would send an EU-team to investigate an outbreak of an unknown human disease in a European country. The Centre should also have the ability to support, if necessary those Commission services that give humanitarian aid or other types of assistance in response to disease outbreaks in third countries. 

Objective, reliable, and easily accessible information is essential for the general public and as well as for decision-makers in the Commission, Member States and international organisations. The Centre will communicate about its activities and results, and disseminate information tailored to meet the needs of its different audiences. Using various media and communications tools, the Centre will ensure that its information is easily accessible, reliable, and understandable.