The region of Nordrhein-Westfalen (D) has just launched a comparative study on health services in Europe and is seeking partner regions, particularly in Italy, Spain and Denmark. The health services in Europe are called upon to carry out major structural reforms. In this context, the goal of the Nordrhein-Westfalen initiative is to evaluate existing systems, to propose comparative analysis methods and then to carry out studies on the priority issues. The results obtained will be used in a European forum for discussions at regional level and as a practical framework for the implementation of these reforms. The region has already established a cooperation with the AER’s Committee for Social, Health and Employment Affairs (IV) which plans on organising a seminar on this theme.