The 2026 edition of the EHTEL Thought Leader Symposium is all about getting ready for the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Its focus is on both people and data. Each Symposium session is based around a specific topic, accompanied by a dedicated working paper.

EHTEL members and experts, from EHTEL's EHDS Implementers Task Force, have co-created three forward-looking working papers on what implementers really need from the EHDS. Developed over six months through workshops, consultations, and validation rounds, on 21 January 2026, the working papers' key messages and recommendations will drive discussions at the EHTEL Symposium, hosted by the Radical Health Festival Helsinki. 

So, what do you really need from the EHDS?

Your voice starts here: 

• Give us your feedback on the working papers during the EHTEL Symposium sessions. 

• EHTEL will consolidate your comments into clear, actionable messages, and make sure your feedback reaches the policymaking table. 

The three working papers will be pre-released to the EHTEL community on 6 January 2026.

Working paper 1 | "The EHDS regulation of EHR systems: Blind spots and pain points, and how to address them"

The EHDS regulation inevitably contained some blind spots in the face of the complexity of Europe’s healthcare delivery. These blind spots are now emerging and causing pain points for implementers. This working paper reflects on the EHR definition - often perceived as too broad - and offers perspectives on potential solutions from healthcare providers, industry, and Member States, and proposes policy recommendations to ensure a successful EHDS implementation. 

Working paper 2 | "Increasing the availability of high-quality and structured health data, the potential of AI"

The EHDS addresses the syntax of health systems transactions, though not yet the use of semantic resources. This working paper, prepared with the support of XiA, explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can strengthen interoperability in the EHDS, which will be a critical enabler for cross-border health data reuse. Can AI meet the clinician dream of coding "happening in the background", with no or very minimal human intervention?  

Working paper 3 | "How can EHR system users make the best of algorithm-based tools?"

This working paper, prepared for Xt-EHR Joint Action, looks at the real requirements for meaningful interactions between electronic health records (EHRs) and AI solutions. Building on the EHDS, it highlights the importance of data fluidity and the role of FAIR data, data quality assurance, user-centred design, and governance. Achieving interoperable, trustworthy, and clinically meaningful AI supported clinical decision making requires comprehensive, multi-level strategies – from local hospital workflows up to European semantic frameworks – with human beings and AI working together to refine data ecosystems. 

This is your chance to influence the EHDS. Join the conversation.