The European eHealth Week 2011 in Budapest (Hungary) will take place on 10-12 May and it will coincide with the 9th eHealth Ministerial Conference and the World of Health IT Conference and Exhibition. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are playing a central role in addressing the numerous challenges faced by healthcare systems across the EU including an ageing population, a rise in chronic diseases, budget cuts and a shortage of healthcare workers by for example allowing remote diagnosis, remote monitoring of patients' condition and secure sharing of patient records between healthcare professionals.

The European Commission is encouraging governments to focus more on innovation and smart spending like eHealth, because healthcare costs in Europe have been rising ever since the 1960s. With 29% of the EU population due to be over 65 years of age, it is uncertain how long the current health care system can be maintained. EU countries are faced with the tough choice of either an increase in annual health care premiums or spending cuts.

Therefore, for the first time, the eHealth Week will focus on innovation-rich subjects such as Ambient Assisted Living and European Innovation Partnerships. Participants at the eHealth week conference will discuss the role of eHealth in tackling common challenges such as chronic disease management, human resource shortages and the ageing population.

Promoting eHealth is a key objective of the Digital Agenda for Europe. The European Commission has been investing in eHealth research for over 20 years. Since 2004, when the first eHealth Action Plan was launched, it has also been developing targeted policy initiatives aimed at fostering widespread adoption of eHealth technologies across the EU. It recently launched an online public consultation which runs until 25 May. The answers will feed into the preparation of the eHealth Action Plan 2012-2020 that the Commission is due to present before the end of 2011. In addition, the recently adopted EU Directive on patients' rights in crossborder health-care supports future cooperation on eHealth by foreseeing the establishment of a voluntary network for cooperation among Member States.