The EU NRL network
The European Commission designated the European Union Reference Laboratory for Bee Health in 2011 (publication in the official European Union Official Journal dated from 2nd. February 2011).
To date, the European network for Bee Health gathers 26 European National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). The map below presents the different EU NRLs. In addition to the European NRLs, other NRLs from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are involved in this network.
As laid down in the Regulation (EU) No 415/2013, the EURL has responsibilities and tasks particularly towards the EU NRL network. It shall ensure availability and use of high quality methods and ensure high quality performance by the NRLs. It shall also provide scientific and technical assistance to the NRLs.
To organise a workshop every year to inform the NRLs on the achievement of the work program for the different activities and on the news related to honey bee health
This annual workshop is the opportunity to exchange information with the NRLs and to receive news from the partners (e.g. needs of new pathogen leaflets, technical support, protocols, and/or reference material).
To harmonise the methods with inter-laboratory comparative testing or proficiency tests and organization of trainings
To exchange regularly with the NRLs if requested and needed
To regularly carry out a survey to record updated data on the NRL activities