HIV infection remains of major public health importance in Europe, with evidence of continuing transmission of HIV in Europe. Overall, despite incomplete reporting, there is no clear indication of a decline in the number of cases being diagnosed each year. Since 2004, the rate of newly diagnosed cases of HIV reported per 100 000 population has increased by almost 30%, from 6.6 per 100 000 population in 2004 to 8.5 per 100 000 in 2009.