The European Health Data Space (EHDS) will work best if the people who use it have a say in how it is shaped. This is why the European Commission has opened up two new ways for people to get involved and to help create a more connected health system across Europe. On 13 October 2027, the European Commission’s Health and Food Safety Directorate-General (DG SANTE) announced two calls for involvement in shaping the EHDS at the Irish Presidency’s “Data in Motion” conference.

What are these Forums and Communities about?

The expressions of interest are being run by global consultancy firm, IDOM, together with the Institute for Health Sciences of Aragon (IACS). The two mechanisms to be used are the EHDS Stakeholder Forum and the EHDS Stakeholder Community. Ultimately, these groups are a follow-up to the previous eHealth Stakeholders Group.

Whether you join the Forum or the Community, you will be contributing to a shared European effort to make health data work better for everyone.

EHDS Stakeholder Forum

This 80 member advisory body will bring together stakeholders, giving them a direct channel to the EHDS Board and having a role in shaping how the Regulation is implemented.  

Mandate:  This official EHDS governance body will be established to provide formal stakeholder input and feedback to support EHDS implementation.

Composition:  Up to 80 appointed members will represent a balanced composition of patients and citizens, healthcare professionals, academia and research, and industry (including large enterprises, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and start-ups).

Appointments:  Official appointments will be made by March 2027.

Selection will take place through a process designed to ensure balanced representation across groups. Stakeholder groups can apply by 10 December 2026.

Fill the expression of interest form to receive the Onboarding Guide with step-by-step instructions on how to join here.
   

EHDS Stakeholders’ Community

This community is open to all interested stakeholders involved in or directly concerned by the implementation and evolution of the EHDS.

Scope:  This will be an open, collaborative platform for all EU/EEA-based entities and health data stakeholders who wish to join it.

Objectives:  The platform will support practical implementation through continuous knowledge exchange, peer learning, capacity building, and the holding of broader consultations.

The Community will offer opportunities to:

• Participate in capacity-building activities, including webinars and conferences
• Access relevant news, guidance and resources
• Share feedback through surveys, interviews and thematic discussions
• Connect and exchange experiences with other stakeholders 
• Access recordings, presentations and key takeaways from Community activities

See this form and more information about the Community here.  

For questions about access, navigation or participation, contact the Community support mailbox: support@ehdscommunity.com

What next?

EHTEL will keep you updated about all the latest that it hears about further EHDS moves towards implementation. Among our own plans are the 2027 Thought Leaders EHTEL Symposium, with its own focus on adding value to EHDS implementation.