The Single Health Data Space in the EU: what it changes for patients, doctors and scientists

The European Health Data Space (Espace européen des données de santé, EEDS) has officially entered into force. The launch was announced by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Martine Deprez, and the Minister of Digitalisation and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin. The initiative aims to provide secure, free and convenient cross-border access to health information for all European Union citizens.

From 2029, patients in any EU country will be able to submit electronic prescriptions, share medical records with doctors and receive treatment without fear of data loss or bureaucracy. Patients will have full control: they will be able to restrict access to their data, edit it and see who has used it. At the same time, the authorities emphasise that privacy and confidentiality remain priorities.

Doctors will have access to patients' medical history even if they have been examined in another EU country. This is particularly important in emergency cases or in the treatment of chronic diseases. The increased availability of information should lead to more accurate and faster diagnosis.

Scientists and medical researchers will also benefit: the EEDS will open up access to large amounts of anonymised medical data from across Europe. This creates the conditions for the rapid development of applied medicine, the introduction of AI in diagnostics and the analysis of the effects of drugs and treatments on large samples.

Although the regulation has already entered into force, its practical application will take several years. The full-fledged work is scheduled to start in 2029. Until then, Luxembourg, like other EU Member States, will develop national legislation, implement technical solutions and train all participants in the system.

Minister Martine Deprez emphasised that for Luxembourg, with its mobile and international population, such a system is particularly relevant. However, openness and convenience are not possible without absolute security: "Data protection is patient protection".

Stéphanie Obertin said the project also opens up new horizons for research centres and start-ups: "Healthcare is one of our key growth vectors. We will focus on the effective implementation of this initiative as part of our national data strategy."

The EHRD is not only a step into the future of digital medicine, but also an important political project that prioritises patients' rights and focuses on transparency, reliability and European values.