The European Commission has released the source code of the HealthData@EU Central Platform as open-source software. This platform represents a cornerstone of the European Health Data Space (EHDS), aiming to enable the secondary use of health data across the EU.
The European Commission has launched the HealthData@EU Central Platform as open-source infrastructure supporting the secondary use of health data. The system is designed to enhance research, innovation, and policymaking within the EHDS framework. It promotes interoperability, security, and decentralised architecture across Member States. Technical documentation and source code are now publicly available.
Purpose of HealthData@EU
The initiative aims to create a central digital infrastructure that facilitates secure cross-border access to health data. It supports scientific research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking. The platform operates in line with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the EHDS legal framework.
Key functionalities of HealthData@EU
HealthData@EU is designed around a decentralized architecture, including:
- national health data access points,
- identity and access management systems,
- strict access controls and security measures.
Additional features include:
- data pseudonymisation and secure transmission protocols,
- open-source licensing allowing Member States to test and adapt components to national systems.
Relevance for stakeholders
The platform facilitates the use of data from registries, hospitals, and electronic health records (EHRs) for research and innovation. It promotes data interoperability and the development of a unified health data ecosystem. The technical documentation can serve as a reference for national EHDS initiatives.
Implementation and technical documentation
The source code and full documentation have been published on GitHub. Member States can adjust the system to their local environments and participate in integration testing. The Commission encourages the establishment of National Health Data Access Bodies (NHDABs), which will link to the central infrastructure.
Next steps of the European Commission
The Commission plans pilot deployments in selected Member States and further development of functionalities for secure analytics. In the long term, the platform is expected to support additional datasets, including medical device registries and EHR integrations.
