Global forum on combating illicit drug trafficking and related threats, 25–27 January 2012, Brussels
Director's speech
(25.01.2012) ‘We are facing a growing challenge to the way we protect our citizens from drug trafficking and the collateral damage that it brings with it’, said EMCDDA Director Wolfgang Götz in Brussels today on the eve of International Customs Day. Addressing participants at the opening of the World Customs Organization’s ‘Global forum on combating illicit drug trafficking and related threats’, he spoke of the ‘many opportunities’ but unfortunately also the ‘new threats’ brought by our modern joined-up world. Continue reading »
Latest analysis highlights changing trends in illicit production of amphetamine in Europe
EMCDDA and Europol launch in-depth review of amphetamine market
(15.12.2011) Increased capacity and sophistication in the illicit amphetamine market are among developments reviewed in the EMCDDA–Europol analysis Amphetamine: a European Union perspective in the global context. Published today, the report describes how patterns and trends are changing in the production and trafficking of this widely used synthetic stimulant and the chemicals used in its manufacture. It also looks at the people and organisations involved, and the scale of the problem in a global context. Continue reading »
EMCDDA launches first European quality standards to improve drug prevention in the EU
New practical guide for prevention professionals
(09.12.2011) ‘Prevention’ is one of the first issues to be mentioned in the public debate on drugs, but evidence of what works in practice to prevent drug use is often overlooked. Today the EMCDDA launches the first European ‘how to’ guide on conducting high-quality drug prevention. Entitled European drug prevention quality standards: a manual for prevention professionals, it will be presented at an international conference hosted by the agency in Lisbon this week. Continue reading »
ECDC and EMCDDA to host joint scientific seminar at the European Parliament on the eve of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day 2011
(29.11.2011) The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the EMCDDA will join forces in Brussels on the eve of World AIDS Day (30 November) to host a scientific seminar at the European Parliament. The seminar will bring prominent speakers to Brussels to discuss with MEPs ways to prevent and control infections among people who inject drugs and to address the risk and burden of HIV and AIDS-related infections in EU countries. Continue reading »
EMCDDA and ESPAD to scale up cooperation through new joint actions
EU drugs agency hosts 2011 ESPAD meeting in Lisbon
(28.11.2011) The EMCDDA and the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) pledged to scale up their cooperation today in a joint statement adopted at the 2011 ESPAD project meeting. The event, hosted by the EMCDDA in Lisbon (27–29 November), brings together participants from 39 European countries. Continue reading »
'Policies and responses must be fit to face the challenges of the next decade', says drugs agency chief
(15.11.2011) The Annual report 2011: the state of the drugs problem in Europe is ‘one of contrasts’, says the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA). Launched today in Lisbon, the report shows drug use to be relatively stable in Europe, with some positive signs that cocaine use may have peaked and that cannabis use continues to decline among young people. But signs of stability with some of the more established drugs are offset by new threats. Continue reading »
EU drugs agency releases new analysis of Europe’s changing opioid problem
(15.11.2011) Heroin use continues to account for the largest share of drug-related diseases and deaths in the EU. The EMCDDA estimates that there are over 1.3 million regular opioid users in the EU and Norway. And around half (51 %) of the drug users entering specialised treatment in Europe report opioids as their main problem drug. Latest data published today show levels of regular opioid use to be relatively stable in Europe. Continue reading »
