The future of Europe’s health systems is at a crossroads. Ageing populations, workforce shortages, rising costs, and the lessons of COVID-19 are putting resilience at the top of the agenda. But how can governments adapt rigid systems, embrace digital transformation, and ensure patients truly benefit from innovation?

In this episode of Break the Bubble, Incisive Health’s Senior Counsel Hans Martens sits down with Francesca Colombo, Head of the Health Division at the OECD. Together they explore what it will take to make Europe’s health systems more resilient, more innovative, and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

With Denmark taking over the EU Council Presidency on 1st July 2025, a new chapter in European health policy is about to begin.

In this episode of Break the Bubble, Incisive Health’s Senior Counsel Hans Martens is joined by Edward James Smith, Head of the EU Office at the Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health. They talk about Denmark’s priorities for the months ahead — from strengthening Europe’s preparedness to boosting competitiveness — and why these themes matter now more than ever.

What role will Denmark play in driving progress on key health files such as the Critical Medicines Act and the Pharmaceutical Package? And how can this presidency help set the tone for Europe’s health agenda in the years to come?

The European Health Data Space, or simply the EHDS, was officially launched in March 2025, marking a major milestone in the EU’s vision for a more connected and data-driven health system. But turning that vision into reality prompts a long list of practical questions about data, trust, innovation, and the roles of Member States, industry, and patients alike.

In this episode of Break the Bubble, Incisive Health’s Senior Counsel Hans Martens sits down with Fulvia Raffaeli, Head of DG SANTE’s Digital Health unit at the European Commission. The two discuss where implementation stands today, what it will take to make the EHDS work across 27 countries, and why now is the time for stakeholders to get involved.

• What will the roll-out of the EHDS look like in practice, and who’s responsible for making it happen?

• How can we ensure trust and interoperability across national systems, while leveraging the full potential of AI?

• And how can the EHDS drive innovation, empower patients, while also creating real value for health systems, researchers, and industry?