On March 11th, important events are scheduled in the European Parliament and the European Environment Agency (EEA). The European Buildings Performance Directive’s final agreement debate will take place in Strasbourg with a vote scheduled for the next day. Additionally, the EEA will publish the first-ever European climate risk assessment. Talks regarding the European Health Data Space (EHDS) are still ongoing, with the Belgian presidency hoping to reach a compromise before the end of their term. Belgium is eager to finalize this deal as it would mark a significant achievement for their presidency.
The negotiations on the EHDS have hit a roadblock, with disagreements on how to handle health data for secondary use. Belgium is determined to find a resolution, as the corporate sustainability due diligence file still awaits approval. MEPs are also interested in reaching a compromise, especially lead rapporteur Tomislav Sokol, who has the support of the socialists. However, a key issue remains regarding patients’ rights to opt-out of sharing their health data with third parties. With limited room for negotiation, the talks are expected to continue until the last minute. Both sides have shown goodwill in reaching a solution, but the clock is ticking for a final deal to be reached.
All eyes will be on MEPs during their upcoming meeting on March 14th to see if a compromise can be reached on the EHDS. Belgium’s health minister, Frank Vandenbroucke, has been leading negotiations on behalf of the EU Council presidency. The collapse of talks on March 8th came as a disappointment, but both sides are committed to finding a solution. A policy poll on whether anonymized health data should be shared with tech giants, insurance companies, and multinationals is also being conducted to gauge public opinion on this contentious issue.
The EHDS negotiations have been challenging due to the complex nature of the issues at hand. With only four interinstitutional meetings completed so far, more time is needed to finalize the deal. The parliament mandate was approved in December, setting the stage for further negotiations between lawmakers. The EHDS has been a key priority for the Belgian presidency, and they are determined to see it through to a successful conclusion. With willingness on both sides, there is hope that a compromise can be reached to address the remaining red line issues and secure the parliament’s approval.
As the deadline for finalizing the EHDS approaches, the pressure is on for both sides to find common ground. The upcoming meeting of MEPs on March 14th will be critical in determining the fate of the negotiations. Both the EU Council presidency and MEPs are eager to reach a compromise and deliver a successful outcome. With the future of the EHDS hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the progress made during this crucial time. The key diary dates and policy newsmakers involved in these discussions highlight the importance of reaching a resolution on this significant European health data initiative.
