Cultivating a Nordic voice: second Competence Forum strengthens Nordic collaboration on health data 

The forum, organised by the VALO project on 25 February 2025 in Copenhagen, gathered close to 40 experts from Nordic ministries, governmental authorities and agencies to discuss the implementation of the new EU EHDS legislation. 

“We cultivate a Nordic voice in a stronger way than before,” said Michel Silvestri of the Swedish eHealth Agency, highlighting the forum’s objectives. The second in a series of five, the meeting provided a platform for ministries and agencies to coordinate efforts on the secondary use of health data under the EHDS and navigate the complexities of its implementation. 

National progress and opportunities for closer collaboration 

The hybrid event included updates on the VALO project, a draft Nordic model for a joint health data ecosystem, Denmark’s new life science strategy and national EHDS progress reports from all Nordic countries. In the afternoon, participants expanded on these discussions in three concurrent breakout sessions covering:

• legal aspects, with discussions on possible amendments to current national legislation and their timelines; 
• health data access bodies (HDABs), with conversations on the status and challenges in setting up HDABs, integration of primary and secondary use infrastructure, cost and impact assessments, data security as well as communication towards stakeholders and citizens; 
• metadata, including where countries are in their national health metadata work in preparing for the EHDS. 

The discussions centred on national progress in EHDS preparations, with a focus on next steps and opportunities for deeper Nordic collaboration in the different areas. 

Conversations continue in May 

Participants recognised the value of the Competence Forums as a platform to explore shared Nordic strengths in the secondary use of health data and tackle common challenges ahead.  

The next Nordic EHDS2 Competence Forum will be held during the Vitalis e-health conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 19 May 2025. 

Take part in the VALO stakeholder forum

While the Competence Forums are invitation-only, the VALO stakeholder forums are open to all. The first stakeholder forum of the project will take place in Gothenburgh, Sweden, on 20 May 2025 as part of the VITALIS conference. 

The event will showcase the interim results of the VALO project and further discussions on Nordic collaboration in implementing the EHDS.  

Attend to connect with key stakeholders and shape the future of health data collaboration in the Nordic region. Attendance is free, but registration is required. 

See agenda and register.