The European Union takes a decisive step in the digital transformation of healthcare with the adoption of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation on January 21, 2025.
This innovative text, having been approved by a large majority in the European Parliament on April 24, 2024, promises to redefine access to and sharing of medical information across the continent.

At the heart of this initiative is the desire to facilitate European citizens' access to their electronic health data, whether they are in their home country or another Member State. This major advancement will not only allow continuity of care when traveling within the EU but will also give patients increased control over the use of their medical information.
The EHDS is not limited to improving individual care; it also opens new perspectives for medical research and health innovation. By allowing researchers and policymakers to access secure and anonymized health data, the regulation promises to accelerate the development of new treatments, particularly for rare diseases affecting 30 million Europeans.

The implementation of the EHDS comes with robust guarantees for personal data protection. The regulation provides for the creation of digital health authorities in each member country, responsible for ensuring the application of the new provisions. Additionally, patients will have the option to oppose access to their data, except for strictly regulated purposes of general interest.

With a gradual implementation over the next 2 to 6 years, the EHDS represents an adaptation challenge for national health systems, but also an unprecedented opportunity. By harmonizing regulations at the European level, this regulation lays the foundation for a more integrated, efficient, and innovative digital health ecosystem, promising significant advances in the quality of care for all European citizens.

Link to the new regulation (in English): consilium.europa.eu/en/press/p…

#DigitalHealth #EHDS #MedicalInnovation #HealthData #EUHealth #EHDS