(fra kommisjonsforordningen)

(1) In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 851/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) establishing a European centre for disease prevention and control (‘ECDC’), the ECDC operates dedicated networks on surveillance (‘dedicated networks’) which together constitute the network for epidemiological surveillance referred to in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2371. Since the activities of the dedicated networks form the foundation for communicable disease surveillance and ultimately prevention and control at Union level, the procedures for their operation should be effective, efficient and consistent across networks.

(2) In accordance with Article 5(4) of Regulation (EC) No 851/2004, the dedicated networks consist of national focal points or operational contact points designated by national coordinators on behalf of national coordinating competent bodies. The procedures should therefore take these different roles into account when detailing their responsibilities.

(3) Regular contacts and exchanges foster coordination and improve surveillance at the Union level. They offer the opportunity to benchmark best practice and adjust Union surveillance systems to changes in epidemiology, population behaviour and laboratory methods. Each dedicated network should therefore meet regularly and communicate between meetings, when necessary.

(4) The procedures for the operation of the network for epidemiological surveillance should be periodically evaluated to ensure that they respond to the Union needs for surveillance of communicable diseases.

(5) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on serious cross-border threats to health,