The BioMed Alliance is disappointed to see a partial opt-in approach for the re-use of health data for research in the new ENVI-LIBE position on the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The committees voted on the text on 28 November, and their provisions calling for a general opt-out system and a partial opt-in system could lead to barriers to health data sharing and fragmentation in the system. It is unfortunate that the recommendations of the scientific community were neglected and that life-saving health research on diseases, cures and prevention may be slowed down.
We hope that the upcoming plenary vote and trilogue negotiations will make sure that EHDS can still fulfil its intended objectives to facilitate health research.