Belgium is one of the most advanced countries on online health, according to a new study commissioned by the European Commission and recently published. With a maturity score of 100 %, it ranks at the top of the European Union alongside Estonia, ahead of Denmark (98 %), Lithuania (95 %) and Malta (94 %).
Carried out from data collected at the end of 2024 with the national health authorities of the 27 Member States as well as Iceland and Norway, the study estimates the implementation of online access services to citizens’ medical records, a priority objective of the European digital decade 2030. This provides that all Europeans have access to their electronic medical file by 2030.
Generalized access to medical data
In Belgium, 100 % of citizens already have access to their online medical file. The country provides a full range of data categories, such as electronic prescriptions, analysis results, hospital reports and vaccinations. It also uses a secure electronic identification system in accordance with the EIDAS regulation, guaranteeing a high level of protection of personal data.
The study notes that almost all of the Member States (85 %) now have a centralized service for access to electronic medical files. However, Belgium is one of the rare countries to reach complete population coverage with maximum technical maturity for all the undanticed sub-indicators.
Disparities persist in Europe
Despite a general improvement – the EU average score increased from 79 % in 2023 to 83 % in 2024 – significant differences remain. Three countries have seen their score back, and eight others have not recorded any progression. Conversely, the Czech Republic (+26 points), Romania (+17) and Ireland (+14) have experienced notable advances.
In addition, the study highlights a persistent delay in certain areas. Private establishments, nursing homes and mental health centers are generally less connected to digital services. Access to medical images and established devices also remains limited in many countries.
A legislative framework in reinforcement
The entry into force of the European Health Data Espace Regulation (EEDS) should further accelerate the dynamics. It requires secure access obligations to electronic medical records and strengthens cybersecurity in health services. This framework, combined with increasing technical requirements, aims to guarantee equal access for all European citizens.
Belgium, by now by achieving the objectives set for 2030, is positioned as a model in terms of digital health. But the study concludes that to keep this advance, efforts must be maintained, in particular to integrate private providers and improve the availability of all categories of data in real time.
> More information on the European Comission website
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