European Health Data Space: Council adopts new regulation improving cross-border access to EU health

The Council of the EU has adopted the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation, establishing a framework for accessing and sharing health data across the EU. The regulation sets new rules to standardise data exchange and enhance cross-border interoperability while protecting personal health information. The EHDS aims to support research, policymaking, and healthcare innovation while giving individuals more control over their health data. The next steps include the implementation of the regulation at the national level, with Member States responsible for creating the necessary infrastructure and governance systems to enable its practical application. 

As part of broader efforts to support digital transformation in the health sector, the European Commission has also unveiled an action plan to protect the healthcare sector from cyberattacks.