Symposium on cross-border healthcare, including the kick-off of the Health4DE-NL project

Shaping solutions for Cross-border healthcare in the Dutch-German border region: The Directive 2011/24/EU on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare provides a vital framework for facilitating patient mobility and cross-border collaboration.

The European Commission, in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the German Ministry of Health (BMG), the Cross-border Institute of Healthcare Systems and Prevention (CBI), and supported by the National Contact Point EU-Patienten.de of the DVKA invite you to the Symposium on Cross-border Healthcare in the DE-NL Border Region. The symposium will also discuss the opportunity created by the European Reference Networks for rare disease patients.

Target group

This symposium aims to bring together many stakeholders relevant to establishing cooperation in healthcare between Germany and the Netherlands, namely: healthcare providers and researchers, policymakers, health insurers, (regional) governments, Euroregions, national authorities, and especially patients’ associations and health organizations and networks.

Topics to be addressed with the symposium:

• Explore how the EU framework supports the practical implications for cross-border healthcare

• Share expertise and practical strategies for more effective implementation of the Directive 2011/24/EU in the DE-NL border region

• Discuss the functioning and potential of European Reference Networks and especially their importance for people with rare diseases

• Reflect on how healthcare providers and institutions can better cooperate to support patients’ mobility and care across borders

• Exchange best practices on cross-border healthcare

We conclude by presenting the Health4DE-NL Interreg project as a concrete initiative that supports the Directive’s goals.

Practical information

When: Thursday 30 October 2025, 9.30 - 17.00 (CET)

Where: Groningen, The Netherlands

Participation opportunities: on-site or online

Registration: Registration email will follow

Participation fee: none

Contact persons for content related questions:

Name: Vincent Fleurke (VWS)

Email: vc.fleurke minvws.nl

Telephone Number: +316 1151 3847