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The European Commission enacted the EHDS regulation governing the use of health data in March 2025, promising significant improvements in healthcare by 2031. Will this transform the future of patient care?
EHDS aims to improve patient care by promoting system interoperability that enables the utilization of clinical data in EU countries, fostering innovations in digital health solutions, and enhancing cross-border healthcare services.
HippocrAItes' Chairman of the board Pekka Honkanen interviewed Rob Schubert, a member of the European Health Data Regulation Working Group, about EHDS at the Future Health -seminar in April 29th 2025.
What does the future of healthcare look like in light of EHDS, and how will all the EU member states keep up with the development as the regulation comes fully into force in 2031?
EHDS is reshaping the healthcare market
EHDS enables the health technology sector to bring their innovative solutions to the market and into practical use."This scale of change in healthcare has not been seen in the EU, or even worldwide," Schubert notes.
At the heart of the EHDS regulation is the ambition to transform Europe’s currently fragmented healthcare infrastructures into a more harmonized and interoperable systems. By aligning national frameworks, the EHDS enables seamless cross-border health data exchange, ensuring that citizens can access personalized and continuous care wherever they are in the EU.
The EU comission has developed a comprehensive set of regulations to support governments, health data holders, and users of electronic health record (EHR) systems in implementing the changes. These regulations provide step-by-step guidance and concrete rules that define the standards for the entire European health market.
This means that many established healthcare actors will have to adapt to new, interoperable systems. "This may lead to a loss of market position for some, but it also opens up opportunities for market expansion," Schubert reflects.
What does EHDS change?
Full EHDS implementation by 2031
The next major milestone will come in 2027, when all standardizations for electronic health record (EHR) systems are expected to be finalized, along with clear guidelines for building the necessary infrastructure to support the EHDS across the EU.
"After this, the real work begins, as EHR systems and member states receive clear instructions on development needs and timelines. The schedule is ambitious, but the plan ensures that all member states can implement the changes by the deadline," Schubert assures.
Finnish innovations are pioneering healthcare in Europe
Finland is at the forefront of implementing the EHDS, leveraging its strong healthtech sector, extensive network of biobanks and research centers, and firm commitment to interoperability.
Schubert considers Finland to be an inspiring example for all European health markets. "A significant part of the regulation, especially regarding the secondary use of data, has been inspired by the Finnish situation. Innovations often seen in Finland are a step ahead and predict the future trends in other regions as well," Schubert explains.
Interest is not only coming from the European markets, but also from other global markets that want to leverage Finnish data for building innovations.
"The Finnish sector is now reaping the benefits of early efforts, and while I can't see far into the future, I suspect that Finland's leading position in development indicates a leading position in the future as well, as I don't see the Finnish sector standing still," Schubert concludes.
This well-earned position also enables HippocrAItes to introduce new ways of leveraging technology to enhance health and well-being through the Hippo Health Platform.
📺 Watch Rob's interview on video!
