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HealthData@EU Central Platform

The HealthData@EU Central Platform is a pivotal digital system being developed by the European Commission to meet the requirements of the upcoming European Health Data Space Regulation. This platform hosts the Dataset Catalogue, which compiles metadata from member states, European institutions, third countries, and research infrastructures. Additionally, the key functionalities include completing and submitting Data Access and Data Request applications for assessment and decision-making by relevant Health Data Access Bodies.

Discover the Platform

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HealthData@EU Infrastructure

HealthData@EU Infrastructure enables creation, updates, and deletion operations on the Dataset Catalogue via a secure machine-to-machine connection between the HealthData@EU Central Platform and Contact Points. These Contact Points include entities from member states, European institutions, third countries, and research infrastructures. The connection leverages the eDelivery AS4 software infrastructure, ensuring a robust and secure system developed and tested by the European Commission in collaboration with the EHDS2 Pilot project.

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Presentation of the open-source solutions

The solutions for both the HealthData@EU Central Platform and Infrastructure are now available as open-source software as Commission aims to promote transparency and enable wider adoption by stakeholders across Europe. These solutions are available under a license and can be accessed code.europa.eu.

Delivery Timeline

Overview of Release 6

Release 6 marks another major step forward in operationalising the HealthData@EU Central Platform. This version introduces two entirely new features (1) the NCP to Central Platform solution for Data Applications lifecycle, including application assessment, issuing the decision, managing decisions; (2) the European level Registry of Data Access application and Data Request application, and non-compliance measures and results from secondary use. Based on the stakeholders feedback a revised draft of the Health DCAT-AP Technical Specifications were prepared and implemented in the Central Platform. Further updates will follow the adoption of the implementing act on dataset descriptions. Moreover, several previous features have been reorganized to enhance user’s experience.

Key Features of Release 6

Release 6 introduces multiple new capabilities that strengthen the HealthData@EU Central Platform and Infrastructure:

  1. Improved data application workflows
    A refreshed interface guides users through the full data application lifecycle, making complex processes easier to navigate and understand.
  2. Assessment status exchange via NCPs
    The Central Platform can now exchange detailed assessment status updates with National Contact Points, ensuring consistent information across EU and national systems.
  3. Enhanced interaction with HDABs
    HDABs can request additional information during the assessment process, and applicants can respond directly within the platform, improving efficiency and transparency.
  4. Decisions, permits, and follow-up actions
    The platform supports the receipt and display of positive and negative decisions, confirmation of Data Permits, appeals, and requests for permit amendments.
  5. EU-level Registry
    As required by the EHDS Regulation, this feature allows the Central Platform to publish an up-to-date registry of data applications and HDAB decisions, as well as a European-wide registry of non-compliance measures and results from secondary use.
  6. Updated Health DCAT-AP implementation
    A revised draft of the Health DCAT-AP technical specifications has been implemented, reflecting stakeholder feedback and supporting harmonised dataset descriptions across Member States.

Streamlined Platform Structure

Release 6 also consolidates several existing features into clearer, more intuitive sections on the HealthData@EU Central Platform home page:

  • EU Dataset Catalogue
    Now incorporates the SPARQL search feature.
  • Optimised translation
    Increased translation performance by applying translation segmentation on the Data Access and Data Request Application forms.
  • Updated My Applicant Space
    This new area displays active and draft applications, as well as final decisions (positive or negative) transmitted by NCPs on behalf of HDABs – all directly in the user’s profile.
  • Updated Basket
    A redesigned Basket provides improved clarity, giving users better visibility into existing draft applications.
  • Reports and Monitoring
    Now includes both Datasets Statistics and HDAB Biennial Reports.
  • Implementation Support
    Combines the Dataset Description Assistant and Metadata Model Explorer, based on the Release 6 draft of Health DCAT-AP (improved based on Member States’ comments).

Call for Testing

Release 6 is now open for community testing, and we warmly invite all stakeholders – whether HDABs, NCPs, data holders, researchers, public authorities or newcomers to the EHDS – to explore the new features and share their feedback. 

By trying out the updated workflows, Registry, application tools and improved user experience, you will directly help refine the Central Platform and ensure it meets the needs of its diverse community. 

Your insights are essential to building a robust and future-proof HealthData@EU infrastructure, and we look forward to hearing from you.