What are European Reference Networks (ERNs)?
New material available: Two factsheets on European Reference Networks (ERNs) in all EU languages
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) has published two new factsheets on the European Reference Networks (ERNs), now available through the Publications Office of the European Union. Released in May 2026, these resources provide a clear overview of the ERNs, explaining how they support patients with rare and complex diseases, facilitate cross-border collaboration among healthcare professionals, and contribute to improving access to specialised expertise across Europe.
One of the factsheets explains how ERNs work in practice, including how patients can benefit from the networks, how healthcare providers organise virtual case discussions, and the resources available for healthcare professionals; and the other focuses on the governance of the ERNs, outlining the approval and evaluation processes, as well as the European Union's role in funding their continued development.
Both factsheets are available for download in all 24 official EU languages.
In addition, the Publications Office hosts a wider collection of materials related to cross-border healthcare, offering further information on EU policies, initiatives, and resources that support healthcare cooperation across Member States. These publications are valuable resources for patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders interested in learning more about the ERNs and cross-border healthcare in Europe.