On 19 January 2026, the second HaDEA Showcase Event took place in Brussels, with the option for participants to join either in person or online. The event gathered a broad range of EU-funded projects managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), with the objective of highlighting their results and encouraging cooperation across different sectors.

While the first edition was organised in connection with World Cancer Day and focused mainly on cancer-related initiatives, the 2026 event adopted a wider thematic scope. This year, attention was placed on how EU-funded actions contribute to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and preparedness in strategic areas such as digital technologies, industry, space, and health. The discussions were closely linked to two key EU policy frameworks, the Competitiveness Compass and the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, illustrating how EU and HaDEA funding play a central role in advancing these priorities.

Within the field of health, several speakers representing EU-supported projects shared perspectives on how European investment is driving progress in research while also fostering collaboration through data sharing and cross-border initiatives. Projects, partnerships, and networks presented during the event included the European Vaccines Hub for pandemic preparedness (EVH), the European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS), the EU FAB network of vaccine manufacturers established for future health emergencies, and the Hola 5G Oulu project, which showcased the application of 5G technologies in healthcare contexts.

Speakers also referred to a number of EU-wide initiatives during the panel sessions. Among them was the Safe Hearts Plan, a recently introduced strategy aimed at tackling cardiovascular diseases through stronger prevention and screening measures. Another key initiative discussed was the European Health Data Space, designed to enable secure and interoperable access to health data across the EU, while ensuring high standards of privacy, security, and compliance with GDPR.

Across the different sessions, the value of cooperation and data exchange emerged as a crucial theme, not only in the health sector but also in other fields. Participants stressed that improved access to shared, secure data can significantly benefit researchers across Europe and enhance the impact of results generated by EU-funded projects.

Overall, the HaDEA Showcase Event 2026 not only demonstrated the tangible outcomes of EU funding, but also provided a valuable opportunity for networking. It offered participants the chance to exchange ideas, build new connections, and explore future collaborations within Europe’s evolving research and innovation landscape.

For additional information and the recording of the event click here.