The European Commission published the open-source release of the HealthData@EU Central Platform, a major step forward in building the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and enabling the secondary use of health data for research, innovation, policymaking, and public health.
This landmark release offers a set of reusable, open-source building blocks to support Member States in developing or connecting their national infrastructures—such as dataset catalogues or national health data access points—to the EU-level platform. It is the first-ever open-source publication from DG SANTE, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and digital innovation in the health sector. This is not just a technical milestone—it’s a tangible delivery that proves the EU’s determination to enable trustworthy health data sharing across Europe. The HealthData@EU Central Platform brings us closer to a future where data drives better health outcomes for everyone concerned.
What is the HealthData@EU Central Platform?
It is a central online hub that brings together health datasets from across Europe, making it easier for researchers, policymakers, and public health authorities to find and access health data in a secure, ethical, and harmonised way.
Key Features:
- Multilingual and user-friendly: Designed for users across all EU Member States.
- Interoperable and secure: Supports cross-border health data sharing using secure digital tools like eDelivery.
- Smart search: Allows users to search and filter datasets using a wide range of criteria.
- Standards-based: Built using the HealthDCAT-AP metadata standard, ensuring clarity and reusability of data.
- Built on proven tools: Reuses existing open-source components like Piveau-Hub to maximise efficiency and reliability.
- Easily connectable: Works seamlessly with national data catalogues and infrastructures.
Who benefits?
- Researchers: Easier access to high-quality health data to advance science and innovation.
- Policymakers: Data-driven insights for designing better health policies.
- Health analysts and public health authorities: Broader visibility of health trends across Europe.
- The general public: Greater transparency and access to non-sensitive health data.
- System operators: Better tools for managing and maintaining data-sharing systems.
- International partners: Potential for collaboration beyond the EU, under clear rules and safeguards.
The release of the HealthData@EU Central Platform as open source reflects the European Commission’s belief that collaboration, openness, and trust are the foundation of future-proof digital health systems.
The source code and technical documentation are now publicly available for consultation, adaptation, and reuse by all interested parties.
More information:
Source: European Commission | Public Health (https://tinyurl.com/bdrb9edv)