About this project
With this project, we aim to address cross-border healthcare challenges and improve collaboration between the northern regions of the Netherlands and Germany along the border. The goal is to build a more coordinated and sustainable foundation for the two countries to work together across borders in healthcare.
Goals
We aim to achieve the following objectives between 2025 and 2029:
A strong cross-border healthcare network
We focus on developing a cross-border health network in our region and along the German-Dutch border. This network has two main objectives:
1. Identifying opportunities for collaboration to generate knowledge about healthcare structures and bringing together individuals on both sides of the border who can serve as a committee to develop a joint strategy in a health crisis situation in the region.
2. Sharing best practices in cross-border health initiatives along the German-Dutch border, exchanging information on various local health policies, and jointly developing a cross-border health agenda.
A framework for equal access to healthcare
In this project we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of both healthcare systems. We focus on gathering empirical data and experiences on the functioning of the two healthcare systems in our region. This evidence will serve as input for developing a joint policy agenda, ultimately aiming to increase cross-border collaboration between the two healthcare systems. The expected effect is that the healthcare systems in our region will become more effective, efficient, accessible, resilient, and sustainable.
Connected public healthcare services
We focus on strengthening the links and collaboration between the Municipal Health Services (GGDs) and the Public Health Service (ÖGD) (GAs/NLGA) in our region. This collaboration will contribute to the ongoing and active exchange of information about the programs and key topics addressed by both public health institutions.
Community-based healthcare
We focus on creating a culture of cross-border healthcare collaboration in the northern DE-NL region and empowering citizens to take ownership of their healthcare. We will involve residents of the border region in public engagement activities (PCAs). The topics of the PCAs are based on the healthcare challenges that we face in the region. This will ensure societal impact within the border region community.
Partners in this project
The Health4DE-NL project is a collaboration between:
What is cross-border healthcare?
The right to receive healthcare in another EU member state and to be reimbursed for it by your own country is made possible by the EU’s legal framework for cross-border healthcare. This offers many benefits for patients: it can reduce waiting times, provide access to specialized treatments, and is especially valuable for people with rare diseases or complex medical conditions.
Cross-border healthcare not only helps individual patients but also strengthens health systems within the EU. By sharing knowledge and promoting cooperation, it encourages medical innovation and improves the overall quality of care.
| Last modified: | 17 July 2025 3.52 p.m. |