Health unites us
The Health Union Fellowship brings together a distinguished group of health policy professionals from across the EU, united by their commitment to guiding the next generation of EU health experts.
Through application-driven training sessions, expert-led lectures and interactive exchanges, participants develop the skills, insights and knowledge needed to shape a healthier and more resilient Europe.
The fellowship:
- is a flagship initiative of the European Commission, led by DG SANTE, as part of the European Health Union’s strategic vision
- is designed to empower health experts and policymakers across Member States by equipping them with the skills, expertise and tools needed to navigate the complexities of EU health policy
- provides practical tools, policy insights and a deep understanding of EU governance, preparing participants to strengthen and shape impactful health policies
- brings together health professionals from across Europe, fostering meaningful exchanges, promoting shared learning and bridging differences between national health systems.
Empowering future health experts
Grow expertise by providing horizontal knowledge on EU health legislation and vertical topic expertise on key EU health priorities, such as crisis preparedness, pharmaceutical legislation and medical device policymaking or the European Health Data Space.
Strengthen cohesion by providing a platform of exchange for EU policy experts to discuss health (system) challenges, building on existing initiatives and further strengthening pan-EU collaboration on health policymaking.
Contribute to policies by further equipping fellows to navigate the EU health policy landscape through practice-oriented training (including interactive training formats such as case studies, team policy projects, technical and relational skill development).
How it works
- fellows are nominated by Member States
- during the one-year programme, fellows participate in diverse virtual and live training and work on a policy project
- fellows are supported by a dedicated mentor and have many opportunities to interact with key stakeholders and strengthen their health policy network
- the first cohort includes 28 fellows from 22 EU Member States. The opening ceremony was held on 10 February 2025 at the College of Europe in Bruges. The ceremony was followed by the first module from the 10 to 14 of February 2025.
What’s next
- the training programme for the first cohort continues with additional training sessions on EU health policy
- fellows will meet in May 2025 in Munich, for the second face-to-face workshop
- the annual forum of the Health Union Fellowship, which will include a closing ceremony, will be organised in parallel with the European Health Forum Gastein in Austria.
Related information
- Subscribe to the Health Union Fellowship Newsletter
- Brochure
- Video clip:
