EHDS2 Central Platform 3 goes open source with enhanced eDelivery integration

The beginning of 2025 marked a new milestone in the development of the HealthData@EU Central Platform with the introduction of Release 3, announced on EU publications website on 26 March 2025.

Release 3 introduces open-source software solutions for the HealthData@EU Central Platform and infrastructure, encouraging broader adoption among European stakeholders. Each project in the HealthDataEU EU Dataset Catalogue, released under European Union Public License 1.2, can be used and deployed independently.

For a detailed overview of the system architecture and technical components, see HealthData@EU Central Platform. Open-source Release 3: Architecture Model and Technical Specification.

Among other changes, Release 3 updated the eDelivery AS4 cross-border gateway by introducing the HealthData@EU Health Data Dispatcher. In the four-corner model, back-end systems (C1 and C4) communicate via AS4 Access Points (C2 and C3), which act as either sender or receiver. These Access Points are not centrally operated but are deployed under the responsibility of public or private-sector service providers in Member States. Previously, the AS4 Access Points used an EHDS2 Pilot connector between the back end and the Access Point. However, with Release 3, a new dispatcher has been introduced to replace the connector while maintaining the same API.

The HealthData@EU Health Data Dispatcher specifies AS4 message content to allow for its validation, can be deployed on both Central and National sides, allows seamless connection with eDelivery, and provides web services for the application layer.

Additionally, Release 3 adds several other features and improves machine-to-machine connections between the Central Platform and Contact Points using eDelivery AS4 for secure data exchange.

What is the EHDS initiative?

EHDS (European Health Data Space) is a flagship initiative of the European Health Union. It provides a framework for both primary use of health data (via MyHealth@EU, also known as EHDS1) and secondary use (via HealthData@EU, also referred to as EHDS2). This initiative further accelerates the digital transformation of healthcare, optimising and expanding the use of health data. The efforts have been underway since May 2022, when the European Commission published the proposal for EHDS legislation, outlining a common EU framework for health data, followed in March 2025 by the publication of the European Health Data Space Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/327).

MyHealth@EU facilitates the exchange of e-prescriptions and patient summaries across EU Member States, enhancing continuity of care and patient safety. Meanwhile, HealthData@EU focuses on using health data for secondary purposes like research and policy-making, ensuring secure and effective data utilization, advancing healthcare while adhering to privacy and security standards.

In 2022, the HealthData@EU infrastructure pilot, co-financed by the EU4Health programme, was initiated to build a pilot version of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) infrastructure for secondary health data use. This pilot project aims to design, develop, deploy and operate a network of nodes alongside central services. The European Commission operates the central services of EHDS2, including the Central Platform, while grants to national authorities support the responsibilities of end users and health data access bodies. The HealthData@EU Central Platform hosts the Dataset Catalogue, which compiles metadata from Member States, European institutions, third countries and research infrastructures.

The HealthData@EU infrastructure takes full advantage of the eDelivery Building Block services and reference implementation, effectively leveraging eDelivery AS4 to facilitate secure machine-to-machine connectivity between the Central Platform and National Contact Points. Interaction with external systems, such as National Contact Points, is conducted through inbound and outbound data flows, exclusively via the AS4 messaging protocol.

For more, see Data sharing through eDelivery in the HealthData@EU.

eDelivery Building Block

eDelivery is a Building Block provided by the European Commission, offering technical specifications, installable software and services for secure digital data exchange across a network of nodes.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on eDelivery services by checking the Building Block's X and web page. For more information, do not hesitate to register for personalised news or contact us via our portal or by email: EC-EDELIVERY-SUPPORT@ec.europa.eu.