The first EHFG took place from 30th September to 2nd October 1998 in Bad Hofgastein. The general topic was "Creating a Better Future for Health Systems in Europe" and included a range of sub-topics such as European Health Policy at the Turn of the Millennium, Global Development, National Responsibility and Regional Challenge in a Changing Europe and International Networks. The Gastein valley hosted 235 congress participants from 21 countries, the EU member states and the membership candidates, as well as delegates from international organisations.
