Greece in the Era of EHDS: A Dialogue on Innovation in Cancer Care
The inaugural “My Data, Our Health” workshop, co-organized by Pharma Innovation Forum (PIF) and the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), marked the beginning of a national dialogue on building a cohesive strategy for the responsible use of health data in Greece.
As the official Greek National Hub of the EU Cancer Mission, ELLOK joined forces with PIF and the European Institute for Innovation through Health Data (i~HD) to host the first of a series of events under the title: “My Data, Our Health: Shaping the Future of Innovation in Cancer Care in Greece.”
This flagship initiative aims to inform and engage stakeholders around the challenges and opportunities presented by the European Health Data Space (EHDS), ushering in a new era for health data governance in the country.
The workshop served as the launchpad for an extended cycle of educational and technical sessions running through 2026, designed to enhance Greece’s preparedness for EHDS implementation. It focused on exploring how the new regulatory framework can drive improvements in care, accelerate research and innovation, and support a responsible, transparent, and socially beneficial approach to health data use — starting with oncology.
The agenda included thematic sessions on the core principles and values of the EHDS, international best practices, and the imperative for timely and reliable access to cancer-related data. These discussions aimed to promote innovation, improve patient care, and strengthen the role of patients and citizens in shaping the future of healthcare. The workshop concluded with a preview of the next steps, which include targeted technical workshops and multi-stakeholder consultations. These efforts will culminate in the development of a comprehensive White Paper outlining policy recommendations for EHDS implementation in Greece.
The event brought together representatives from government institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, research bodies, international organizations, and patient associations.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Aris Angelis, Secretary General for Strategic Planning, Mr. Ioannis Kotsiopoulos, General Manager of PIF, Mr. George Kapetanakis, President of ELLOK, and Mr. Hugo Soares, member of the ECHoS Project Coordination Group.
Renowned experts and key opinion leaders also contributed their perspectives to the discussion.
Mr. George Kapetanakis, President of ELLOK, opened the workshop with the following statement:
“The new era of health data cannot progress without public consensus and meaningful citizen engagement. Through ‘My Data, Our Health’, we lay the groundwork for a transparent and democratic dialogue in which patients and citizens co-create the future of care, research, and innovation in Greece.”
Mr. Ioannis Kotsiopoulos, General Manager of PIF, added:
“The effective and responsible use of health data can become a pivotal driver of healthcare transformation in our country. The “My Data, Our Health” initiative aspires to bring all stakeholders together to shape a reliable, functional, and forward-looking framework that puts transparency and the patient at its core.”
PIF, representing 30 leading pharmaceutical companies, and ELLOK, as the national node of the EU Cancer Mission, reaffirm their commitment to working closely with all healthcare stakeholders. The shared objective is to shape a modern, sustainable, and participatory policy framework for health data in Greece — one that ensures equitable access to innovation, strengthens research, and safeguards the public interest.
