In May 2026, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) will conclude its presidency of the European University Hospital Alliance by hosting the EUHA Members’ Assembly and related events in Helsinki.

The core event of the HUS Presidency is the official EUHA Members’ Assembly, where EUHA CEOs meet to set strategic priorities and review the Alliance’s activities. Alongside the assembly, HUS will host the “Inspired Professionals” Symposium, focusing on how to retain skilled and motivated staff and secure critical clinical expertise.

We had an opportunity to interview, EUHA President and HUS CEO Matti Bergendahl.

Q
Why was a renovation of the EUHA strategy needed, and what are the intended outcomes of the renewed strategy?
A
EUHA has grown and developed considerably since the latest strategy update. In addition, we have become a trusted and influential stakeholder speaking with the voice of university hospitals in the EU forums.

The main goal of this update is to improve the focus of EUHA strategy. In addition, it is important to define roles and ensure alignment of key projects and objectives with strategic priorities. These elements will give EUHA a clear direction for the next 5 years.
Q
What leadership principles are guiding you through this strategy renewal?
A
It is all about focusing and prioritizing. In the spring of 2025, EUHA mapped all the ongoing and emerging projects and activities, and more than 60 individual initiatives were identified. Since resources are finite, we need to make sure that we put our joint efforts into advancing the most important areas of work. To achieve this, it is crucial that the focus areas and priorities are clearly communicated to all EUHA operators.
Q
In what ways will the updated strategy strengthen EUHA’s role as a leading European platform for university hospitals?
A
Clarifying the focus of EUHA strategy will allow us to accelerate delivering tangible results in the most important areas. This will showcase the power of EUHA collaboration and advance our position as an influential representative of academic medicine and university hospitals.
Q
What does success look like one year after launching the strategy, and what lasting impact do you hope it will have on EUHA?
A
Within the first year of the strategy period, the emphasis will be on effective implementation and communication. After a year, everyone involved in EUHA collaboration should be familiar with our vision and mission, and know the strategic priorities defined in the updated strategy.

Furthermore, the documentation and procedures involving the selection, support, and reporting of key projects aligned with the strategic priorities and objectives will be up and running.
Q
In what ways do you see staff and colleagues from our member hospitals contributing to realize this renewed strategy?
A
From the beginning, EUHA has adopted a bottom-up approach with projects and activities starting from frontline initiatives. The updated strategy will help create a shared vision of EUHA priorities which can stimulate colleagues from all EUHA member hospitals in proposing new collaboration that aligns with the overall goals of the alliance.
Q
Has joining EUHA already created new collaborations or opportunities for HUS?
A
Since HUS joined EUHA in the fall of 2024, we have named a representative to each of the currently active EUHA working groups and networks. We have received a very warm welcome to the alliance and have active collaboration with other EUHA members in many areas. Two recent examples of opportunities presented to HUS through EUHA collaboration are HORIZON call applications on de-implementing low-value care and establishing centers of excellence for ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products).
Q
What benefits does EUHA offer to hospital staff and patients, and how can staff across Europe get involved?
A
EUHA gives a unique opportunity to collaborate and learn from other top-level academic medical centers in Europe. EUHA collaboration can accelerate progress in many new and emerging fields, and it is also instrumental in developing a common approach in adapting to the changing operating environment of university hospitals in Europe. Staff from all EUHA member hospitals can get involved through participation in the various EUHA networks and working groups as well as through other ongoing and emerging collaborative projects and initiatives. Through EUHA collaboration and advocacy we can directly improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare for patients all over Europe.
Q
Why is EU-level advocacy becoming more important for university hospitals now than ever before?
A
Global challenges and megatrends are reflected also in the healthcare landscape. Several topics currently on the EU agenda and upcoming legislation have direct implications to university hospitals, and therefore it is important that we take an active role and bring the voice of the university hospitals to the discussions to leverage our impact and influence decisions made on the EU level.

EUHA has already created an influential presence on the EU level that none of the member organizations can achieve alone. Together we are stronger!
Q
What would be your message to EU policymakers about the current and future role of university hospitals in Europe?
A
University hospitals are unique hubs for innovation and centers of high-quality clinical research that serve as an engine in creating the novel treatment methods for future healthcare.

Furthermore, university hospitals play a crucial role in educating the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.

In addition to excellence in specialized healthcare, university hospitals can take a more active role in preventing illnesses and promoting health through integration and close collaboration with other healthcare providers and stakeholders.
Q
How does hospital staff expertise contribute to EUHA advocacy, and why is their input important?
A
EUHA can make the voice of university hospitals heard in the decision-making forums on EU level in a way that none of the members alone can, but to do so we need to have clear joint positions that EUHA can bring to the relevant tables.

The EUHA consensus positions used in EU-level advocacy rely critically on the unique expertise of our professionals and the high-quality scientific evidence created in our institutions. The knowledge created and held by our staff is our core asset in the EUHA advocacy work.
Q
What would you like to see EUHA members do together in the coming years that we cannot achieve alone?
A
To me, focusing on advocacy at European level, rethinking healthcare to create European solutions to global healthcare challenges, and collaborating in research, innovation, and advanced care are the most important areas to move forward together in the coming years.
Q
As EUHA moves into its second decade at the end of this year, what is your hope for where the alliance will be in a few years?
A
I see EUHA as an established, trusted partner to European decision-makers serving as the voice of all university hospitals and healthcare in general, advocating for the benefit of all patients across Europe.

For more information visit the EUHA Members’ Assembly and related events page.