On 19^th January 2026, the second edition of the HaDEA Showcase Event was held in Brussels, welcoming participants both on site and via online streaming. The event brought together representatives of numerous EU-funded initiatives supported by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), creating a shared space to present achievements and encourage cross-sector collaboration.

Building on the experience of the inaugural edition, which had been linked to World Cancer Day and concentrated mainly on cancer research, the second edition expanded its scope significantly. The 2026 programme focused on how EU-funded actions contribute to Europe’s overall competitiveness and preparedness, particularly in strategic fields such as digital innovation, industrial development, space, and health. These discussions were closely connected to major EU policy directions, including the Competitiveness Compass and the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, highlighting the role of EU investment in these fields.

Within the healthcare sector, speakers from a range of health-oriented projects illustrated how EU funding supports advanced research while also enabling stronger cooperation through data sharing and cross-border collaboration. Presentations covered initiatives such as:

   - the European Vaccines Hub for pandemic preparedness (EVH), represented by Donata Medaglini

   - the European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS), represented by Giusi Condorelli

   - the EU FAB network of vaccine manufacturers designed for future emergencies, represented by Marta Figa Bosch

   - the Hola 5G Oulu project, which demonstrated practical applications of 5G technology in healthcare environments, represented by Andrew Conway

Beyond individual projects, during the panel sessions several EU-wide frameworks were mentioned. Among these was the Safe Hearts Plan, a recently launched strategy addressing cardiovascular disease through prevention and early screening. Another major point of discussion was the Health Data Space, which aims to establish a secure, interoperable system for accessing and reusing health data across the EU, while fully respecting privacy, security, and GDPR requirements.

The importance of cooperation and data exchange emerged as a crucial theme throughout the event. Speakers repeatedly underlined how trusted data-sharing mechanisms can enhance research outcomes, support innovation, and ensure that results generated by EU-funded projects are accessible and reusable across borders.

Overall, the HaDEA Showcase Event 2026 highlighted the tangible impact of EU-funded initiatives while also serving as a great chance for networking. Participants had the opportunity to exchange perspectives and identify potential collaborations in a rapidly evolving European research and innovation landscape.

Further details and a recording of the event are available here.