EU policy P1 June 2026 Letter to the European Commission on Directive 2005/36/EC on the Minimum Professional Qualifications for Midwives EUHA calls for an urgent, evidence-based revision of Directive 2005/36/EC on minimum professional qualifications for midwives.The current framework has been largely unchangedand and does not reflect modern midwifery practice, scientific evidence, or international standards of care. At a time of workforce shortages, demographic shifts, and increasing healthcare challenges, EUHA urges that updating the Directive is essential to improve quality, safety, and access to care, strengthen health system resilience, and fully use the midwifery workforce. EUHA stands ready to contribute its expertise to support the European Commission in this process. Download Letter
Advanced Care P1 May 2026 A roadmap for supporting the development of advanced therapy medicinal products in a European framework Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) represent a paradigm shift in medicine; however, their implementation in European health systems is often hampered by EU regulations. Amidst a rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive global landscape, dominated by the US and China, it becomes imperative that Europe strengthens its position. This requires establishing a dialogue with European authorities to devise new regulatory mechanisms and incentives paving the way for innovation in drug development and implementation. EUHA experts share their vision on changes needed at the regulatory and organisational level to incentivise the development and clinical use of ATMPs and ensure an equitable and fast access for patients, largely inspired by the problems encountered in an academic environment and in developing ATMPs for rare diseases. To achieve real-world impact, these solutions should be supported by competent authorities at regional, national, and EU levels. Download Full Paper
Innovation & Research P1 November 2025 From Technology Transfer to Innovation Ecosystem Hubs: The Evolving Role of University Hospitals University Hospitals across Europe stand at a pivotal moment. Faced with unprecedented demographic, economic and technological pressures, these institutions have an extraordinary opportunity — and responsibility — to evolve from traditional centres of care, education, research and sporadic innovation into fully recognised Hubs for thriving innovation ecosystems. At the same time, they are powerful drivers of the economy, as healthcare itself is a cornerstone of knowledge-based societies and a key engine for sustained growth. This whitepaper, prepared by the European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA), sets out a clear facts- and figures-based argument for why Europe’s leading University Hospitals must be recognised and supported as true Innovation Hubs like healthcare system transformation leaders. Download Full Paper
Healthcare System Resilience P2 November 2025 European Hospitals and the AMR Challenge — From Control to Prevention Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens public health and the sustainability of European health systems. EU leaders have pledged to step up action, and university hospitals are committed to playing a key role in facing this shared challenge. This paper adds evidence, ideas and momentum to these efforts. EUHA recognises the responsibility of university hospitals to lead by doing — improving infection prevention and control, strengthening surveillance and monitoring, delivering teaching and training, and engaging proactively with partners across health and social care. EUHA members are already advancing these priorities, and further political support—together with progress in hospital and digital infrastructure—can enable Europe to move further and faster.AMR demands a concerted and coordinated response. It is time for a new collaboration between hospitals and policymakers, with each doing all in their power to prevent, prepare and protect against infections and antimicrobial resistance – supporting one another in this shared public health mission. Full Paper Short Version
Digital Health & AI AI September 2025 EUHA Consensus Positions on Artificial Intelligence University hospitals are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, uniquely positioned to harness AI responsibly for the benefit of patients and the entire health ecosystem.The paper "EUHA Consensus Positions on Artificial Intelligence: Proposals for the Responsible Development, Regulation, and Implementation of AI in European Healthcare" underscores that responsible AI adoption in healthcare requires federated, hospital-level data governance, strong custodianship by providers, integration of lifestyle and health data, systematic post-market validation of AI tools, and comprehensive EU-wide training and liability frameworks. Download
EU Policy FP10 June 2025 EUHA Recommendations for the 10th Framework Programme (FP10) EUHA supports the European Commission's commitment to maintaining Horizon Europe as a self-standing programme tightly connected to the Competitiveness Fund. We agree with the need for ‘a seamless flow from fundamental research to applied research to start-ups to scale-up’. This paper underscores the urgent need to reinforce EU health research and innovation ecosystems by supporting university hospitals as key innovation hubs. It calls for sustained investment, stronger collaboration across sectors, and flexible funding mechanisms that respond to real healthcare needs. The paper puts forward 4 key recommendations to strengthen EU competitiveness, improve patient care, and ensure the sustainability of health systems through strategic support to research and innovation. Download
Innovation & Research April 2025 EU Regulations on Medical Devices and In-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Our regulatory and compliance experts have analysed the impact of the new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR) — Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and 2017/746 — on the innovation capacity of university hospitals. EUHA submitted its recommendations to the European Commission as part of its targeted evaluation of the EU regulatory framework for medical devices and in vitro diagnostics. The Commission’s adoption of any resulting changes is expected by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Innovation & Research P6 Living document University Hospitals as Innovation Hubs and Drivers of Economic and Societal Development in Europe The EUHA Innovation Network has developed the paper "University Hospitals as Innovation Hubs and Drivers of Economic and Societal Development in Europe" to provide a strategic framework for leveraging university hospitals as drivers of healthcare innovation and medical research. As a living document, it explores solutions for advancing healthcare, optimising knowledge valorisation, and ensuring long-term sustainability. It also identifies key barriers to innovation within academic healthcare settings and outlines the actions needed to overcome these challenges effectively. Download
Healthcare system resilience RHS September 2024 Rethinking Healthcare Systems: A Call for Urgent, Europe-Wide, and EU-Funded Research and Collaboration Healthcare systems across Europe face major challenges, including workforce shortages, rising costs, demographic shifts, and emerging threats such as climate change and new epidemics. These pressures compromise hospitals' ability to provide timely, high-quality care. To safeguard public health and ensure long-term resilience, EUHA calls for a comprehensive, multi-country transformation focused on integration, prevention, and innovation. In its Position Paper "Rethinking Healthcare Systems” and Declaration, EUHA outlines urgent reforms, highlights the vital role of university hospitals, and presents a strategic action plan to build future-proof, resilient healthcare systems. Position Paper Declaration
PRESS RELEASE: EUHA Issues a Position Paper and Declaration on Rethinking Healthcare Systems August 28, 2024