All ECDC activities, including scientific advice, surveillance, preparedness, response, training and communication, involve microbiology cooperation.

ECDC works closely with the EU/EEA Member States and relies on their high quality microbiological laboratory services. It currently does not aim to develop microbiological laboratory capacity of its own.

ECDC`s role in microbiology is to collaborate on key strategic and technical issues concerning European countries, the Commission, WHO and other partners.

ECDC supports exchange of information along the thematic areas of:

• partnerships activities and cooperation with the Member States (through designated National Microbiological Focal Points), European Commission, WHO and other key stakeholders
• projects under ECDC funding and coordination
• technical areas of public health microbiology: quality systems, biosafety, typing issues and training