The EU is expanding its number of Biosafety-Level 4 laboratories (BSL-4). BSL-4 labs are designed for research on the most dangerous pathogens and incorporate extensive safety features. Eight new facilities are under construction or planned and will join the six labs that currently operate in Britain, Germany, Sweden and France. The new labs are needed to respond to the outbreak of new diseases, such as SARS. The European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents project (ERINHA) aims to form a network of the EU’s BSL-4 labs and determine future needs, including the creation of best-practice guidelines. Costs for constructing and upgrading the EU’s BSL-4 labs is estimated to be €174 million ($261 million), with yearly operating costs of €24 million.

Source: Nature