Discussions in Dublin focused on long-term sustainable financing and governance of HTA cooperation under the EU HTA Regulation, as it rapidly evolves driven by early practical experiences with JCA reports.
Drawing record attendance, more than 70 senior representatives from 37 Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies across Europe gathered in Dublin as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hosted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), and supported by the Irish Department of Health, and joined by representatives of the European Commission, the meeting of the Heads of HTA Agencies Group (HAG) underscored the momentum currently driving cooperation under the EU HTA Regulation (HTAR).
Utilising Joint Clinical Assessments
The use of Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) reports within national HTA and reimbursement processes featured prominently in the agenda. Members shared their early implementation experiences following the publication of the first JCA reports, and exchanged views on emerging practices, implementation challenges and lessons learned. The discussion highlighted the value of continued knowledge sharing in supporting the effective use of JCA reports within different national HTA systems.
Securing the future of European HTA Cooperation
A key focus of the Dublin meeting was the long-term sustainability of European HTA cooperation. Drawing on work undertaken by the HAG Finance and Governance Task Force, members engaged in a strategic exchange on the future financing, governance and organisation of joint work under the HTAR. Discussions addressed both immediate financing priorities in the context of the EU’s post-2027 budgetary framework, and a set of key considerations intended to inform future reflection on sustainable financing and governance arrangements for European HTA cooperation.
Welcome to Luxembourg
The HAG officially welcomed Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security, Directorate of Health, Division of Pharmacy and Medicines (DPM) as its newest member. This addition further broadens the Group’s representation and brings another national HTA perspective to its activities.
Strengthening cross-network alignment
The Irish Presidency also arranged a joint session connecting HAG members with the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) and the Network of Competent Authorities for Pricing and Reimbursement (NCAPR). The joint meeting provided an opportunity for the three networks to exchange views on areas of common interest and to strengthen mutual understanding of the respective roles of HTA, regulation, and pricing and reimbursement in the European medicines ecosystem. The discussions also underlined the need to work more closely to ensure that evidence generated for medicines can effectively support decision-making throughout the medicines life-cycle. The exchange directly supported the HAG’s priority of strengthening communication on the role and value of HTA within the EU.
Looking forward: new topics
As the HAG continues to monitor JCA implementation and discuss financing and governance of EU HTA, its work programme will expand into new topics, with future discussions planned on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence in HTA.
The HAG will hold its next face-to-face meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, in April 2027.
