The diagnosis and identification of plant pathogens provides the basis of plant pathology and phytomedicine. The Executive Committee of the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY (EFPP) had no problem to identify this actual th topic as topic for the 4th Symposium, which was held from September 8 to the 12th at the University of Bonn. It was suggested to have introductory papers and papers on actual research on recently identified topics. The development of diagnosis and pathogen identification is very important to keep plants healthy and to provide a successful and efficient disease control. On the other hand the most important task of the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY is to improve the international communication, especially in the European hemisphere. Another important duty is to provide the contact between all associated societies - of specific importance seems to be the contact to societies and colleagues from eastern European countries. Times have changed and gratefully we are obliged to hold the contact to our colleagues from the east. During the last meeting we could hold this contact to a certain extent and this should be a premise for the future. th During 1998 the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY will join the 7 International Congress of Plant Pathology held at Edinburgh from August 9-14, 1998. th The 5 Symposium of the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY will be arranged by our Italian colleagues.