Assessment of European Health Information Networks

The European Commission has recently proposed a plan to create a common European Health Data Space (EHDS), aiming to unlock the value of health data for public health, treatment, research, and innovation. The initiative was officially announced as part of the broader European data strategy, with discussions held at Forum Alpbach 2025.

The Center for Data Innovation has expressed its support for the EHDS, emphasizing the need for measures to enable better data exchange. The organization believes that adopting these measures will facilitate the development of AI-enabled healthcare applications within the EHDS, and stresses the importance of avoiding market fragmentation of the Digital Single Market in the context of the EHDS.

The EHDS roadmap identifies three pillars: data governance and rules for data exchange, data quality, and infrastructure and interoperability. The Commission aims to remove barriers to intra-EU trade by promoting data-sharing and interoperability across member states, while safeguarding data protection rights.

The EHDS will foster primary uses of health data for individual health care delivery and secondary uses for medical research and health policymaking. The Center for Data Innovation also highlights the need for ensuring data interoperability in the EHDS.

The filing does not provide specific details about the timeline for the implementation of the EHDS. It is worth noting that the filing does not mention any penalties or consequences for non-compliance with the EHDS regulations.

In conclusion, the European Commission's proposal for the creation of the EHDS presents an opportunity to unlock the potential of health data across the EU. With a focus on data governance, quality, and interoperability, the EHDS aims to facilitate better data exchange for primary and secondary uses, ultimately benefiting public health, treatment, research, and innovation. The Center for Data Innovation's support for the EHDS underscores the importance of this initiative in driving the development of AI-enabled healthcare applications within the EU and maintaining a cohesive Digital Single Market.