Measles and rubella remain important global causes of vaccine-preventable morbidity and mortality. While two WHO regions have set measles mortality reduction goals, the WHO European Region is one of four that have adopted measles elimination goals. The regional goal is to eliminate measles and rubella from Europe by 2010. Surveillance and monitoring is an essential national and regional tool for achieving this target. In the WHO European Region, 50 of the 53 countries currently report case-based or aggregate measles and rubella data directly to WHO Europe or to our EU partner, EUVAC.NET. One interim milestone is to have all countries conducting and reporting case-based surveillance with complete epidemiologic and laboratory investigation of all suspected measles and rubella cases by 2009. WHO uses the monthly surveillance data received from Member States to monitor and respond to outbreaks and to identify areas where additional attention and resources are needed. The surveillance data is also used in a monthly newsletter published by the WHO Regional Office for partners, donors, all Member States and other stake holders.