The 2nd interactive workshop organized by PIF and ELLoK highlighted practical steps, institutional proposals and the importance of active citizen participation in the new era of health data.
The Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), as the National Cancer Mission Hub (NCMH) of the European Mission on Cancer, in collaboration with Pharma Innovation Forum Greece (PIF) and with the kind support of the European Institute for Innovation through Health Data (i~HD), held on November 7, 2025, at Brown Hotel Acropol in Athens, the second interactive workshop titled “Advancing the European Health Data Space in Greece: Readiness, Coordination & Implementation Pathways.”
This initiative is part of the “My Data, Our Health” series of actions, launched in the summer of 2025, and continues a broader dialogue on shaping a national strategy for the use of health data. Its goal is the sustainable integration of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) into the Greek context through the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders.
With the participation of Mr. Aris Angelis, Secretary General for Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Health, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Digital Governance, the pharmaceutical industry, the academic and research community, civil society, and patient organizations, the workshop highlighted Greece’s level of readiness and shaped practical policy proposals and technical recommendations for the next steps in implementing the EHDS.
The workshop focused on mapping national readiness for the implementation of the EHDS, emphasizing the secondary use of health data, strengthening coordination between public and private stakeholders, and developing concrete proposals for a sustainable and trustworthy national policy framework.
During the workshop, Greek and European experts presented insights on how the European framework of the European Health Data Space could be translated into national action through practical and institutional steps adapted to the Greek context. Proposals were discussed for shaping a coherent governance and interoperability framework for health data, enabling their sustainable use to benefit research, innovation, and patient care. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of building trust and fostering active citizen participation as essential conditions for the transition to the new era of digital health.
The four breakout sessions attracted particular interest, where participants analyzed the prerequisites and critical steps for the implementation of the EHDS in Greece. During these sessions, readiness and interoperability of health data, issues of access and reuse, the enhancement of trust and social acceptance, as well as the design of the structure and functions of the national health data ecosystem were explored. Participants had the opportunity to discuss proposals, identify common priorities, and formulate specific directions to accelerate the country’s preparation for the new era of health data.
The President of ELLOK, Mr. Giorgos Kapetanakis, emphasized at the opening of the event:
“‘My Data, Our Health’ is an initiative that goes beyond technology or legislation; above all, it is about citizen participation. The new era of health data requires social consensus, transparency, and trust. Through this series of workshops, we aim to co-shape the future of care and innovation with the voice of all stakeholders — from patients to institutional representatives and the research community.”
On his part, Mr. Ioannis Kotsiopoulos, General Manager of PIF, stated:
“Greece has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of digital health development in Europe. The European Health Data Space is not just a new regulatory framework—it is a strategic choice that can transform the healthcare system, strengthen research, and ensure equal access to innovation. As PIF, we continue to actively support every effort that promotes collaboration and the responsible use of data for the benefit of patients and society.”
The “My Data, Our Health” workshop series will continue throughout 2026, focusing further on technical, institutional, and social issues related to the implementation of the European Health Data Space. It will also strengthen collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, aiming to develop a White Paper that consolidates the key proposals and directions for the further advancement of policy and best practices in health data management.
