Feedback to the Commission's roadmap on Common European Data Spaces

Following the publication of the roadmap on a new 'Legislative framework for the governance of common European data spaces', ESIP released today its feedback on the creation of a Single Market for data. Among the sectoral European data spaces envisaged is one on health. ESIP overall welcomes the Commission’s initiative to increase and improve the accessibility, usability and interoperability of data – both held by public sector bodies and consented data voluntarily provided by individuals and companies. The initiative also aims at reducing the costs of data transformation and transaction.

ESIP provided three main inputs to ensure a purposeful use of data. First, ESIP highlighted the need to implement harmonised and legally binding regulatory framework, in full respect of data transparency and confidentiality as provided for by the GDPR Regulation (2016/679). This would avoid any unethical use of highly sensitive personal data, such as healthcare data.


Second, ESIP called to involve public authorities – including statutory health insurance and social security institutions – in the creation and management of data spaces. Public authorities provide added value for patients, by improving (cross-border) healthcare provision and the financial sustainability of healthcare systems. Therefore, they should contribute to the creation of patient-oriented data spaces. There is a need for a shift from an industry perspective to an insured-centered perspective when building data spaces.


Third, ESIP supported the creation of European Structural Enablers, namely of European Coordination Bodies, to better coordinate the exchange of good practices and promote harmonised standards on data comparability, compatibility and interoperability.


ESIP also stressed that frameworks on common European data spaces – namely on health and social security data – would benefit in particular people in cross-border situations. Finally, ESIP called for a strategic use of investments in digital programmes and expressed concerns on the cuts made to research and health programmes.


ESIP will follow future developments on the creation of common European data spaces, namely in the field of health. In this regard, ESIP also welcomes the creation of sectoral stakeholders’ groups, namely on e-health, since experts can and will provide essential contributions to design legal and technical frameworks for data exchange. Find out more in our feedback.