(1)

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2156 (2) established the European Union reference laboratory for Rift Valley fever.

(2)

Following the establishment of the European Union reference laboratory for Rift Valley fever, and in accordance with Article 93(2), point (a), of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the Commission followed a public selection process for the designation of the European Union reference laboratory for Rift Valley fever.

(3)

An evaluation and selection committee was appointed for the public selection process for the designation of the European Union reference laboratory for Rift Valley fever. That evaluation and selection committee concluded that the Italian laboratory Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’ complies with the requirements set out in Article 93(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and is capable of performing the tasks set out in Article 94 of that Regulation.

(4)

The Italian laboratory Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’ should therefore be designated as the European Union reference laboratory for Rift Valley fever. Its work programme should be in conformity with the objectives and priorities of the relevant work programmes adopted by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/690 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3).

(5)

In order to ensure that the appropriate level of methods of analysis, test or diagnosis, and the development of validated methods and the coordinated assistance of the official laboratory is maintained, and in accordance with point (b) of Article 93(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the designation as European Union reference laboratory should be reviewed regularly.

(6)

This Regulation should be applicable from 1 January 2023, the date when the European Union reference laboratory for Rift Valley fever should commence its activities.