The European Commission adopted an implementing regulation establishing a new EU reference laboratory (EURL) for public health in the field of respiratory viruses[2]. EURL aims to strengthen the EU's capacity to respond to serious cross-border threats associated with respiratory viruses[1]. The call for applications for this reference laboratory was published on May 28, 2025, and the deadline for applications was set for September 17, 2025[2]. EURL will provide technical support and reference services to national reference laboratories, provide external quality assessments and support coordination and research in the field of respiratory viruses[1]. Consortia from several member state institutions could submit applications; an example of a successful consortium is the group of eight institutions that is progressing in the process of designation as EURL-RESVIR[1]. EURL will also provide scientific advice to ECDC and the European Commission during outbreaks or emerging epidemics of respiratory viruses[1].