TEHDAS2 Stakeholder Forum: MedTech Europe contributes to the debate on EHDS and AI

TEHDAS2 Stakeholder Forum: MedTech Europe contributes to the debate on EHDS and AI

Posted on 07.05.2026

A year after the entry into force of the European Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS), the goals remain the same: Europe needs clearer guidelines, smoother harmonisation, and better use of health data - not only for clinical care (primary use), but for research and innovation (secondary use) as well. Stakeholders engaged since the outset continue to collaborate closely to avoid fragmented implementation of the Regulation. In this context, MedTech Europe was invited to speak at a panel on the role of the EHDS to strengthen the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

The TEHDAS2 joint action (Second Joint Action Towards European Health Data Space) was launched in May 2024 and will run until December 2026. Ambitious in its aim - ensuring a smooth and strong European collaboration in the use and sharing of health data - with a special focus for secondary use of electronic health data -, it currently involves 29 countries. By the end of 2026, it should have established concrete guidelines and technical specifications for the European Commission and member states.

On 29-30 April 2026, the third TEHDAS2 Stakeholder Forum took place alongside the high-level conference held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency titled "European Health Union for a Connected Health Data Space ecosystem". The event highlighted the importance of topics such as digital sovereignty and healthcare resilience, which were both listed as priorities by the Mediterranean island when it took over the presidency of the Council in January 2026.

Not only bringing together stakeholders from the health and digital health sectors, it also aimed at connecting further the EHDS with the AI Act and their respective - and sometimes interrelated - implementation.

At this event, MedTech Europe was invited to speak at Plenary 2: "The Role of the European Health Data Space: Strengthening Trustworthy AI in Healthcare". The panel brought together actors from different perspectives, from industry to international policy. The discussion revolved around how the EHDS could - and should - be seen as the foundation for trustworthy AI and better synergy between primary and secondary use of health data.

As the representative of the medical devices industry, MedTech Europe reiterated the importance of harmonised implementation and regular dialogue between stakeholders. AI represents an opportunity for the EHDS to have a tangible impact, as it will require high-quality, large-scale data for AI systems to become robust and clinically relevant. This can only be achieved if the EHDS is implemented correctly and ensures a high level of cross-border cooperation, something essential for research and innovation to thrive in Europe.

For more information, please contact , Senior Expert Digital Health.