The purpose of providing financial support - which applies from 1 January 2013 - is to encourage the Reference Laboratories to continue their active contribution in providing technical support to both the Commission and Member States in implementing EU policies in these areas.

EU-RLs provide essential scientific and technical support in the area of feed and food safety and animal health and are the main pillar of the EU laboratory network which also comprises National reference Laboratories and Routine Laboratories.

Reference Laboratories are co-financed by an annual EU grant and the Member States hosting the EU-RL.

The Commission has assessed the 2013 programmes and corresponding budget estimates taking into account EU priorities and Member State needs, in particular on: research; development and distribution of analytical methods; organisation of proficiency tests; and training.

These activities aim to ensure high-quality and uniform testing in the EU and to support the Commission on risk management and risk assessment in the area of laboratory analysis, which are a fundamental part for the protection of consumers and animal health in the EU.