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

The 4th edition of Medi Wellness Congress (MWC), held on April 28th & 29th, 2025, at Hilton Geneva Hotel & Conference Centre in Switzerland, brought together more than 130 professionals from across the medispa, medical, innovation and hospitality sectors for an exceptional opportunity of learning, inspiration, and connection. Organised by HaB France, in collaboration with the industry veteran Vladi Kovanic, founder of Forum HOTel&Spa in Paris, the congress marked a key moment for the sector, offering a platform where experts, brands, and medical professionals came together to explore the future of wellbeing. This year’s theme, «Integrating Mental Well-being into the Spa Ecosystem», resonated strongly with the attendees.

Siyka Katsarova PhD, Vice-President of the European Spas Association (ESPA), and Secretary General Csilla Mezösi had the opportunity to attend the 4th edition of the MediWell Congress in Geneva and speak about the »Role of international cooperation to inform about the long-term positive effect of balneotherapy- medical spas«. Their lecture focused on the long-term positive impact of balneotherapy- medical spas with treatment of different diseases, such as non-communicable diseases, mental health, including prevention and healthy lifestyle through balneotherapy in cooperation between public and private enterprises.

A special highlight was their meeting with Sammy Gharieni, the founder of Gharieni Group and Jan Kern – winner of the European Spas Innovation Award 2024. As a global leader in advanced wellness technologies, Gharieni presented cutting-edge solutions, and they had the opportunity to experience the RLX Satori.

Highlights of the 4th MEDIWell Congress included:

• 23 expert conferences featuring thought leaders such as Dr. Filippo Ongaro, Ozgur Cengiz, Alina M. Hernandez, Dr. Tamas Gulyas, Wojciech Tworek, Martin Goldmann, Dr. Claudio Tavera, Hans-Peter Veit, and Jean-Guy de Gabriac.

• Interactive coaching session on Designing evergreen health and well-being, healthy aging: Understanding change, building resilience, and transforming narratives.

• Sponsors area with 19 pioneering brands and product launches

• Networking sessions that sparked new collaborations and business opportunities

«With this 4th edition of MWC in Switzerland, we are proud to have created a space where professionals and leading players in the sector could reconnect, learn, and reimagine the important of mental well-being in hotels, spas, and medispa properties.”

Pradip Bala, Managing Director of HaB France.

Participants praised the rich content, the various take aways of the conferences, the welcoming atmosphere, the pleasant ambience, and the strategic networking opportunities that made this congress a standout event on the professional calendar.

What’s next?

Following this success, Hab France is already preparing for the 5th edition taking place end of April 2026 in Geneva, with new surprises and themes to continue pushing the boundaries of wellness excellence.

PRESS CONTACT:

Christine Eskandar, Event Director / christine.eskandar@health-and-beauty.fr

+33 6 58 70 19 45

The European Health Summit, held from December 3–4, 2024, at the historic Egmont Palace in Brussels, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and healthcare experts from across Europe. As a high-level pan-European platform organized alongside the EPSCO Council, the Summit fosters collaboration among European institutions and member states to shape the future of healthcare.

This year marked the 5th edition of the Summit, centred on the theme, “Gold Medal Mindset: Competitiveness and Sustainability in the Tech Age.” Discussions focused on building a resilient EU healthcare model for the next legislative cycle, addressing key priorities such as digital innovation, pandemic preparedness, pharmaceutical policy, and patient-centric care. The event also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between policymakers, civil society, academics, and the business sector to enhance healthcare outcomes.

The European Spas Association (ESPA), represented by Ms. Csilla Mezosi and Mr. Sven Aerts, was invited to participate in the prestigious European Business Summit on Health. The significance of the event was underscored by the support of the new Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) and its hosting at the Royal Palace. Notably, Queen Elizabeth also graced the event with her presence.

ESPA invited to play a leading role in “Longevity” chapter

Next year, a chapter on “Longevity” will be introduced, with ESPA invited to play a leading role in this new initiative. The EU Business Summit company thus aligns its Business Units with Priorities by the European Commission’s new Directorate General Health with #EuHealthUnionPriority1 = Prevention, Healthy Food, Healthy Lifestyles, Wellbeing, Longevity. 

This will allow our members to present what they offer to the top power-people = top customers & their networks in Europe: decision makers, business people & financiers.

The summit focused on advancing public health by fostering dialogue among health experts, policymakers from DG SANTE—including the new Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi—and other key Directorate-Generals such as DG Innovation and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology Health (EIT Health). The Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers (including the Health Ministry) facilitated the presence of Hungary’s Health Minister alongside several other health ministers from the EU-27. Numerous industry leaders and financiers in the health sector also attended.

Key Highlights and Announcements

This year’s summit addressed critical themes, including health innovation, healthcare accessibility, and sustainable health financing. The financing and growth programs from the European Investment Fund and various Directorate-Generals were presented, alongside initiatives like the EU Cancer Plan and the EU Brain Health and Mental Health Plan. Additionally, DG SANTE’s second wave of funding, amounting to €752.4 million, was announced, as previously highlighted at the ESPA Congress.

The summit aims to tackle pressing health challenges in Europe, such as demographic changes and the increasing burden of chronic diseases. Attendees participated in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions to exchange best practices and explore innovative solutions. The program emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to improve health outcomes, while sharing insights into evolving healthcare models.

1. Launch of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan
   A major milestone of the Summit was the announcement of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan by the European Commission. This initiative reflects a strong political commitment to improving cardiovascular health across Europe, aligning closely with the mission of ESPA members, including medical spas and health resorts specializing in cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation programs.
2. Focus on Self-Care for Prevention and Wellbeing
   A dedicated session explored “The Critical Role of Self-Care in Prevention and Wellbeing.” Experts emphasized that empowering citizens to take an active role in their health is crucial for improving the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of healthcare systems. Integrating self-care into healthcare plans not only enhances individual well-being but also delivers significant economic and social benefits.
3. Mental Health Resilience in Europe
   Addressing the rising prevalence of mental health conditions such as burnout, anxiety, and depression, another session focused on “Europe’s Mental Health Resilience.” According to the Eurobarometer 2023, nearly 46% of Europeans experience mental health challenges, making it a pressing public health concern. Participants highlighted the importance of mental health initiatives and the role of medical spas in supporting recovery and resilience.

Participants explored the integration of digital health technologies and the role of preventative healthcare. The summit encouraged the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including spa and wellness professionals, to promote holistic health approaches. Networking sessions are designed to build partnerships and foster collaborative opportunities across different health sectors. Overall, the European Health Summit serves as a platform to drive action and inspire positive transformations in healthcare across Europe. ESPA gave valuable perspectives on integrating wellness into health strategies, promoting a healthier society