Artificial intelligence is reshaping health systems: state of readiness across the European Union

Overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how health systems across the European Union (EU) function and how health care is delivered; with the momentum generated by the EU’s adoption of the first comprehensive AI law, the world is now looking to the region for guidance in navigating this new era of AI in health. This report provides a focused assessment of AI readiness within EU health systems, drawing on insights from the 2024–2025 survey on AI for health care in the WHO European Region. It examines national AI strategies, legal and ethical frameworks, data governance, stakeholder engagement, workforce preparedness and the integration of AI applications across health services. The report explores how EU Member States are approaching both the opportunities and the challenges of AI, highlighting emerging directions in strategic planning, regulatory alignment, capacity-building and the responsible deployment of AI in health care.