The opinion on the implementation of cross border healthcare (CBHC) will look into legal, administrative, financial and other barriers affecting adversely the rights of European patients traveling abroad to receive treatment. Not only CBHC gives the patient freedom of choice in terms of practice, accessibility and appropriate care, it also promotes free movement of people, goods and services. Moreover, it overcomes the gaps in availability of healthcare services in some regions.

Likewise, the opinion will explore the regional dimension of healthcare provision and will specifically address the challenges faced by border regions, accounting for 40% of EU's territory where more than 1 out 3 Europeans.

Finally, the opinion will provide the European Commission with a local and regional assessment of the effects of the Directive and will be complemented by the results of the RegHub consultation. As such it can be construed as part of the "Better Regulation" process and is set to contribute to raising awareness about the Directive and to improve its implementation by removing outstanding barriers and guaranteeing respect for patients' rights to access safe and high quality care services anywhere within the Union.