Information on European Reference Networks

Health systems in the European Union (EU) aim to provide effective, efficient and high quality healthcare, which is particularly difficult for diseases that require a concentration of resources or expertise, especially rare, complex or low-prevalence diseases.

EU health policy enhances cooperation between EU countries.

Directive 2011/24/EU Will open in a new window on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, in Article 12, supports the development of European Reference Networks (ERNs) between healthcare providers, adopting criteria and conditions to be met by such networks and by providers wishing to join them. In March 2014, with the unanimous support of the Member States, the legal framework for the establishment and evaluation of these networks was adopted (European Commission Implementing Decision of 10.3.2014 Will open in a new window ).

European Reference Networks aim to address rare or complex diseases or conditions, which require highly specialised treatment and a concentration of expertise and resources. They bring together highly specialised healthcare providers in different Member States and represent a clear added value for the EU by helping to provide affordable, quality and cost-effective healthcare to patients whose conditions require a particular concentration of resources or expertise.

EU video on European Reference Networks Will open in a new window

As regulated in Spain, article 21 of Royal Decree 81/2014 Will open in a new window , in order to belong to or collaborate with a European reference network, the service or unit must be previously designated in accordance with the procedure established in Royal Decree 1302/2006.

Therefore, the health centre that wishes to become a member of a network must first be a reference centre, service or unit (CSUR) of the National Health System in the area of care or similar of the future network and have a favourable report from the Designation Committee and a written declaration from the Ministry of Health certifying that its participation in the proposal for the creation of a network is in accordance with national legislation.

More national information on European Reference Networks

More information on European Reference Networks from the European Commission.

Icono puntos regionales Information units. Autonomous Regions and Mutual Societies
Icono Web comisión EU National Contact Points
Icono Web comisión Contact points for private providers Will open in a new window
Icono Web comisión Comission website Will open in a new window