What the Rest of the World Can Learn from Europe's Leadership in Digital Health Innovation

Paris, France – June 11, 2025 – Leading voices in digital health policy from across Europe gathered on stage at HIMSS25 Europe for a high-profile fireside chat titled "Keeping Europe's Future Bright", spotlighting the continent's bold vision for healthcare transformation. Senior representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission, and the Danish Ministry of Health discussed how the EU is aligning digital infrastructure, policy, and public trust to build the future of health.

Moderated by Gary Monk, Innovation Consultant, and Anca del Río, Digital Health Consultant at WHO, the panel featured:

• Dr. David Novillo Ortiz, Head of Data and Digital Health, WHO Europe
• Fulvia Raffaelli, Head of the Digital Health Unit, European Commission DG SANTE
• Dorte Bech Vizard, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health

Denmark Prioritizes Clinical Trials and Cybersecurity

Representing Denmark's current EU Council presidency, Dorte Bech Vizard outlined key priorities. "Europe must reconnect with its position of strength in life sciences," she said. "We are using our presidency to initiate a political conversation around increasing the uptake of clinical trials and reinforcing cybersecurity and supply chain transparency across member states."

Denmark is also known for its high levels of public trust in digital systems. "You can't copy trust — you have to earn it," said Vizard. "Digital tools must deliver value to patients, protect their data, and remain fully transparent. It's fragile and must be constantly nurtured."

EU Frameworks Set to Transform Patient Experience

Fulvia Raffaelli emphasized the sweeping potential of the new EHDS regulation. "We are providing citizens the right to access their health records — anywhere in the EU, instantly and free of charge," she said. "You'll be able to carry your medical history digitally, control who accesses it, and support research through anonymized data."

She noted that these developments will make seamless digital health access as natural as today's mobile roaming. "By 2035, I hope no one has to think about the EHDS anymore — it'll just work."

WHO: Bridging Data Gaps and Building Global Cooperation

Dr. David Novillo Ortiz of WHO Europe acknowledged the growing excitement around AI but warned of basic data deficits. "While we discuss AI, we must also address that 25% of health-related Sustainable Development Goals currently lack data. AI cannot replace what's missing."

To address this, WHO is building a regional AI roadmap based on a recent survey across 50 European countries. At the global level, the WHO is extending its Digital Health Strategy through 2027 and has begun drafting a new framework through 2033 that will embed AI readiness.

Novillo also highlighted the Strategic Partners Initiative, a WHO-led collaboration of over 115 institutions, including academia, NGOs, and private sector actors, aimed at aligning innovation with real-world public health needs.

A European Model for the World

Looking ahead, Novillo urged Europe to lead by example. "By 2050, one in three people will be over 60. One in four already experiences social isolation. We know the challenges — we just need to act," he said.

He pointed to the success of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, now repurposed into the WHO's Global Digital Health Certification Network, as a model for scalable, cooperative innovation.

"Europe has the infrastructure, the governance, and the people-first philosophy to lead," he concluded. "Let's make the future not just data-driven — but people-driven."

The writing has been enhanced using AI tools but the content and subject topic is 100% human and the work of credited individual.