Hematology is a comprehensive discipline covering all oncological and non-oncological aspects of diseases of the blood or related organs. Hematological researchers have been pivotal in the progress which has been made in molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies, and hence personalized medicine. Besides the rapid scientific and clinical developments political and strategic issues have to be addressed: Education of medical personnel needs harmonization throughout Europe; patients all over Europe should have equal access to treatment, and further scientific progress has to be secured through funding on a national, European and international level despite economic restraints. The European Hematology Association (EHA) pursues these issues with and for all European hematologists and patients.