EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi underlined that the European Union is accelerating reforms to strengthen health sovereignty and resilience, from new pharmaceutical rules to faster pathways from innovation to treatment. Yet beyond regulation and innovation, one fundamental shift stood out — Europe must move from treatment to prevention.

This shift is not theoretical. It reflects a growing consensus that future health systems must prioritise early intervention, mental health, and long-term resilience. In this context, prevention is no longer optional — it is becoming the backbone of Europe’s health strategy.

A New Health Vision: Prevention, Early Intervention, and Wellbeing

Across discussions at the Summit, experts emphasised the urgent need to reach high-risk groups earlier through awareness, education, and preventive action. Health systems must evolve to support healthier lifestyles, longer lives, and stronger communities.

This direction aligns closely with the development of new initiatives in the health tourism and spa sector, which aim to:

• promote healthy lifestyle behaviours among both residents and travellers,
• develop destinations that actively support preventive health,
• integrate spa medicine, mineral water therapies, and nature-based treatments,
• and create tourism products that encourage longevity and quality of life.

Such approaches reflect a broader transformation already recognised within Europe’s health landscape: nature-based, evidence-driven prevention is becoming a key pillar of modern healthcare.

Shared Challenges, Collective Solution

The Summit also highlighted that Europe’s health challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that today’s threats — from chronic diseases and mental health issues to displacement and poverty — require stronger cross-border cooperation.

This perspective reinforces the importance of transnational networks and shared knowledge. In this context, European health destinations and spa networks represent practical models of collaboration, offering non-pharmaceutical, cross-border solutions for prevention and rehabilitation.

At the same time, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) delivered a stark warning:
if health systems fail, all other systems follow. Health is no longer just a social issue — it is a strategic asset for Europe’s stability and future.

Mental Health: Europe’s Growing Concern

One of the most urgent topics raised during the Summit was the rapid deterioration of mental health, particularly among younger generations. Policymakers called for immediate and coordinated action, recognising that a healthy population is the foundation of societal resilience.

Here, nature-based therapies — including climate therapy, forest bathing, and spa environments — are increasingly recognised as effective tools to support mental wellbeing. These approaches demonstrate how natural resources can complement traditional healthcare systems, offering accessible and preventive solutions.

The Strategic Role of Health Tourism and Natural Therapies

As Europe faces rising pressure on healthcare systems, new models of care are gaining importance. Prevention, healthy ageing, and resilience are no longer abstract goals — they are practical necessities.

Health tourism and spa-based interventions can play a key role by:

• reducing the burden on hospitals through preventive care,
• supporting rehabilitation and long-term health management,
• decentralising health services across regions,
• and empowering SMEs to deliver high-quality, sustainable health services.

This reflects a broader reality already highlighted in European spa research and policy discussions: medical spas and health destinations are not a luxury, but part of Europe’s health infrastructure .

A Strategic Moment for Europe — and for ESPA

The Euronews Health Summit confirms a decisive shift in Europe’s health priorities. The future will be shaped by:

• prevention,
• healthy ageing,
• mental health support,
• resilience,
• cross-border cooperation,
• and nature-based solutions.

These priorities strongly align with the long-standing mission of the European Spas Association (ESPA), which promotes nature-based prevention, mental wellbeing, and accessible health tourism ecosystems.

Looking Ahead: From Opportunity to Action

Europe now stands at a turning point. The question is no longer whether health systems need to change — but how quickly this transformation can happen.

In this new landscape, organisations and sectors that already deliver preventive, evidence-based, and sustainable health solutions have a unique opportunity to contribute.

More information: https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/03/17/the-biggest-challenge-and-opportunity-euronews-health-summit-key-takeaways

Water tasting to learn about the healing effects of mineral water in cooperation with the Slovenian Spa Association and the Slovenian Tourism Board, Health tourism pavillon Stage Programme Hall 4.1

TUESDAY / 3th March
15:30 – 16:00 | Longevity, Regeneration & Prevention: Beyond the Buzzwords
Key themes: Regenerative medicine; Preventive healthcare. PANEL DISCUSSION
Panelists:
– Dr. Siyka Katsarova – President, BUBSPA & European Spas Association
– Marina Lalli – Vice President Federterme; President Federturismo; 
– Dr. Petra Bailey – Vice-President, Ensana Health Spa Group

Moderator:
Csilla Mezösi – Secretary General, European Spas Association

THURSDAY /5th March
11:00 – 11:30 | PRESENTATION

Digitalization in Health Tourism – Education in Cooperation with the World Health Organization
Presenter:
-Anke Sponer – International Cooperation, Deggendorf Technische Hochschule

11:30 – 12:30 | Wellbeing in Tourism – Economic Engine: Impact Today, Value Tomorrow; PANEL DISCUSSION
Panelists:
-Iuliana Tasie, Vice President of the European Spas Association and Optbr Romania; CEO ANA hotels Europa Eforie,  
-Lina Nosevič – Executive Director, National Association of Sanatoriums and Rehabilitation Institutions in Lithuania; mailto:lina@rehabilitation.lt
-Martin Plachy – CEO, Royal Spa CZ; Vice President, European Spas Association

Moderator:
Nikol Rashkova – European Spas Association

OTHER IMPRORANT presentations and programms:

TUE 3 MAR 12:00 – 12:15 OFFICIAL OPENING ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH TOURISM PAVILION 12:15 – 13:30 MEDICAL MEDIA NETWORKING LUNCH supported by Visit Bulgaria

15:00 – 15:30 EXPERT INTERVIEW with Daniel Attard;Member of the European Parliament (Malta), Committee on Transport and Tourism

EUROPE’S PATH TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM GROWTH AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF EUROPE’S TOURISM REGIONS

17:00 – 19.00 ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH NETWORKING RECEPTION

WED 4 MAR, 19:00 – 22:00 ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH NIGHT 

presenting the ITB MEDICAL & HEALTH TOURISM AWARDS 2026

in partnership with European Spas Association (By invitation only!)

 More information: https://www.itb.com/en/ausstellen/exhibition-areas/medical-health

As an active member of the Scientific Committee of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) and a frequent speaker at international conferences, she contributes to advancing spa and health tourism across Europe.

At the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025 in Haapsalu, she will participate in the panel discussion “Europe’s Hidden Healthcare Power. Why Spas Belong in the Future of Public Health?”. In her opening statement, she will emphasize the crucial role of spas within the public healthcare system and highlight their potential in prevention, rehabilitation, and overall public health strategies.