Select a year to see archived news for that period:
- EN
Stay informed
Media support
To schedule interviews, obtain informed comment, request written contributions or receive the latest news on the agency, please contact our media relations unit:
Kathy Robertson
Head of sector
Media relations and marketing
Tel: (351) 211 21 02 00/32
Fax: (351) 21 813 1711
Maria José Louro
Media relations assistant
Tel: (351) 211 21 02 00/40
Fax: (351) 21 813 1711
Archive of EMCDDA and drug-related news
14.12.2012 New EMCDDA report reveals risks of substance use behind the wheel
The use of illicit drugs and psychoactive medicines amongst drivers, particularly when combined with alcohol, is described today in a new report from the EMCDDA. The ‘state of the art’ review presents the results of the largest research project ever carried out in the EU on Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol and medicines (the ‘DRUID’ project), which ran between 2006 and 2011.
10.12.2012 Drugs and wastewater
This week, the EMCDDA is hosting three meetings in Lisbon on the topic of drugs and wastewater. Wastewater analysis is a rapidly developing scientific discipline with the potential for monitoring real-time population-level trends in illicit drug use. On 10 December, the results of an EMCDDA multicity project will be presented by an international consortium of researchers. »
06.12.2012 Board re-elects unanimously Portuguese member João Goulão as EMCDDA Chairman and Belgian member Claude Gillard as Vice-Chairman
João Goulão, Portuguese national drug coordinator and Head of the General-Directorate for Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (SICAD), was re-elected Chairman of the EMCDDA Management Board today for a second three-year term. Claude Gillard (Belgium), a founding member of the agency, was also re-elected today to the position of Vice-Chairman.
30.11.2012 EMCDDA launches 'harm reduction overviews' to mark World AIDS Day 2012 (1 December 2012)
To mark World AIDS Day on 1 December, the EMCDDA is launching its first harm reduction overviews covering 30 countries. Each overview is divided into five parts describing: the national context of harm reduction, references and resources, and key responses for preventing and reducing drug-related infectious diseases, drug-related deaths and drug-related harms in recreational settings.
22.11.2012 Conference to develop key indicators for monitoring drug markets, crime and supply reduction
European drug policy is based on a balanced approach that deals with both the supply and demand for illicit drugs. The need to scale up the monitoring of illicit drug supply in Europe is a key component of the EU drugs action plan 2009–12. In this light, the European Commission and the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) are joining forces in Lisbon this week (22–23 November) to organise the Second European conference on drug supply indicators.
15.11.2012 New EMCDDA report shows heroin use in decline and patterns of drug use shifting
Since the 1970s, heroin has held centre stage in Europe’s drugs scene and is still responsible for the largest share of drug-related diseases and deaths in the EU. But while heroin-related problems continue, they do so at lower levels, says the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA). According to its Annual report 2012: the state of the drugs problem in Europe, launched in Lisbon today: ‘We may now be moving into a new era in which heroin will play a less central role in Europe’s drugs problem’.
15.11.2012 EU drugs agency raises concerns over complex stimulant market and plethora of powders and pills
Europe is faced with an increasingly complex stimulant market, in which consumers are confronted with a wide variety of powders and pills. While cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines continue to be the main players on the stimulant scene, they are now competing with a growing number of emerging synthetic drugs, such as cathinones, one of the largest groups of new drugs being reported in Europe today. Other stimulants are also under scrutiny, and there are signs of methamphetamine making further inroads into the market. Developments in the European stimulant market are described today in the Annual report 2012: the state of the drugs problem in Europe, launched by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) in Lisbon.
15.11.2012 Outbreaks of HIV among IDUs in Greece and Romania — preliminary data suggest no signs of a slowing down in 2012
In 2011, the EMCDDA and ECDC reported that new outbreaks of HIV were occurring in Greece and Romania despite an overall long-term declining trend in newly diagnosed HIV cases among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Europe. Reports received in 2012 continue to suggest increases in HIV prevalence and in rates of newly diagnosed cases among IDUs in these two countries. While in Greece prevention measures are being scaled up, in Romania coverage has declined.
31.10.2012 Drugs and the family: ‘room for improvement’ in responding to problems, says EMCDDA
Around one in 10 of all drug users entering treatment for their substance use lives with at least one child. And in the last five years, the number of those entering drug treatment who report living with children has been growing. Over and above the problems they face related to their consumption, drug-using parents deal with additional concerns, such as providing adequate care for their children during treatment and fear of losing their job or their family.
15.10.2012 Neglecting the social needs of drug users can undermine chances of long-term recovery
Over 1 million drug users in the European Union are estimated to be receiving some form of treatment for their drug problems every year. This reflects considerable investments since the 1990s when better access to treatment became a drug policy priority. But while treatment plays a significant role in helping drug users end or, at least manage, their substance use, there are concerns that their ultimate inclusion in society is often neglected.
02.10.2012 EU drugs agency to present the latest statistics, trends and analysis
How are countries tackling the new drugs phenomenon? Are school children consuming drugs more or less than before? How many Europeans are using cannabis on a daily basis? To what extent have national responses to the drugs problem been effective? These are just some of the issues under the spotlight in the Annual report 2012 from the EMCDDA to be released in Lisbon on 15 November.
28.09.2012 ‘Users’ voices’ — experiences and perceptions of drug users on controlling their consumption
A collection of narratives from substance users in Europe about their attempts to control or reduce their consumption is released today by the EMCDDA. Entitled Users’ voices, the paper illustrates how qualitative research can provide glimpses into the experiences and perceptions of substance users that statistics alone cannot provide.
24.09.2012 2012 EMCDDA scientific paper award showcases innovative research in drugs field
The three winners of the 2012 EMCDDA scientific paper award will come under the spotlight in Lisbon this week at the annual award ceremony hosted by the EU agency. This year the results reflect the female face of science, with all three acclaimed authors being women. The winners — from Germany, Sweden and the UK — will receive a non-monetary prize for their contributions on 26 September in the margins the International Society of Addiction Journal Editors’ annual meeting opening at the EMCDDA this week.
20.09.2012 EU drugs agency publishes new guidelines for monitoring drug users entering treatment
The EMCDDA launches today new guidelines for monitoring drug users entering treatment in Europe — updating a previous data-collection protocol adopted in 2000. Published in the EMCDDA Manuals series, the guidelines have been revised to better reflect the realities of today’s drug situation and changes in treatment services and data monitoring systems. They follow a three-year revision process involving experts from the EU Member States, Croatia, Turkey, Norway and Switzerland.
07.09.2012 EU drugs and medicines agencies amend working arrangement today in light of recent legislation
Exchanging information on new psychoactive substances and abused medicines is enhanced today, thanks to an amended working arrangement signed in Lisbon by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The signatories were EMCDDA Director Wolfgang Götz and EMA Executive Director, Guido Rasi.
23.07.2012 New EMCDDA report reviews measures for creating safer nightlife environment for young people
How to prevent and reduce the health and social risks associated with drug and alcohol use in recreational settings is examined today in a new paper from the EU drugs agency. The EU is actively addressing the use of these substances on the nightlife scene, as illustrated by the 2009–12 EU drugs action plan and the adoption of specific Council conclusions in 2010.
17.07.2012 EU drugs agency EMCDDA signs accord with Moldovan Ministry of Health
The European Union and the Republic of Moldova will share information on drugs more systematically in future, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today in Chisinau between the EMCDDA and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova.
17.07.2012 EMCDDA 2012 Statistical bulletin provides latest data on Europe’s drugs problem
Over 400 tables and 100 graphs presenting the latest data on the European drug phenomenon are released today in the EMCDDA’s 2012 Statistical bulletin. Monitoring and analysing the nature and scale of the Europe’s drug problems is a central part of the agency's work.
12.07.2012 EU and Russian drugs agency chiefs meet in Moscow to discuss plans for future cooperation
The EU and Russian drugs agency chiefs meet in Moscow today to further their strategy for cooperation. At the talks, Wolfgang Götz, Director of the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) and Viktor Ivanov, Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation (FDCS), will be focusing on the agencies’ exchange of information and expertise and laying groundwork for joint activities over the next three years.
26.06.2012 Market share of herbal cannabis increasing as domestic production rises, says EU drugs agency
‘The market share of cannabis herb is increasing across Europe at the expense of cannabis resin’. This is according to the first comprehensive analysis of Cannabis production and markets in Europe, released today by the EMCDDA to mark International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The report describes a cannabis market in a ‘continual state of evolution’ and how Europe, a major cannabis consumer, is now an important producer of this, its most popular illicit drug.
08.06.2012 EU drugs agency Scientific director awarded for excellence in international leadership
EMCDDA Scientific director, Paul Griffiths, M.Sc., has been selected as a winner of the 2012 United States National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) International Program Awards of Excellence. The annual awards, which celebrate achievements in mentoring, collaborative research and international leadership, will be presented on 9 June.
07.06.2012 Leading experts to review global developments in new drugs and ‘legal highs’
The United States National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) bring together leading US, European and international experts this week to take stock of the global ‘new drugs’ phenomenon. In the framework of the 2012 NIDA International Forum, taking place in Palm Springs (CA) from 8–11 June, the organisations will co-host the Second interdisciplinary forum on new and emerging psychoactive substances gathering over 300 participants from 72 countries.
31.05.2012 New ESPAD study shows overall stable drug use among school students and a reduction in ‘heavy episodic drinking’, but no decrease in cigarette smoking
New drugs were detected in the European Union last year at the rate of around one per week, according to the EMCDDA–Europol 2011 annual report on new psychoactive substances released today. A total of 49 new psychoactive substances were officially notified for the first time in 2011 via the EU early-warning system (EWS). This represents the largest number of substances ever reported in a single year, up from 41 substances reported in 2010 and 24 in 2009.
28.05.2012 ‘Cooperation in the drugs field must cross borders’, says EU drugs agency chief
‘Cooperation in the drugs field must cross borders if we are to build a more accurate picture of the drug situation and responses to it in the EU and its neighbouring countries’, says Wolfgang Götz, Director of the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA). The comment comes as the agency prepares to open up its next Reitox meeting to countries outside the EU preparing to collaborate with the agency.
02.05.2012 EMCDDA and UNODC sign joint work plan
Cooperation between the EMCDDA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) took a further step forward today with the adoption of a new joint work programme for the period 2012–14.
26.04.2012 New drugs detected in the EU at the rate of around one per week, say agencies
New drugs were detected in the European Union last year at the rate of around one per week, according to the EMCDDA–Europol 2011 annual report on new psychoactive substances released today. A total of 49 new psychoactive substances were officially notified for the first time in 2011 via the EU early-warning system (EWS). This represents the largest number of substances ever reported in a single year, up from 41 substances reported in 2010 and 24 in 2009.
19.04.2012 EMCDDA report presents latest evidence on heroin-assisted treatment for hard-to-treat opioid users
A small population of chronic heroin users, once thought to be ‘untreatable’, is now benefiting from a novel type of therapy using medicinal heroin as the substitution drug. In a new EMCDDA Insights report out today, experts describe the development as ‘an important clinical step forward’. The report, New heroin-assisted treatment, provides the first state-of-the-art overview of research on the subject, examining the latest evidence and clinical experience in this area in Europe and internationally.
23.03.2012 World TB Day 2012 (24.03.2012)
World TB Day raises awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease. One-third of the world's population is currently infected with TB. Due to marginalisation and lifestyle, drug users face higher risks of contracting the disease than the general population. Among the core tasks of the EMCDDA are the monitoring of drug-related infectious diseases among drug users and of measures taken by the Member States in reducing and preventing infectious diseases in this vulnerable population.
23.03.2012 First EMCDDA Reitox week
The EMCDDA will open up the May meeting of the Reitox network of national focal points to its partners from: Candidate and Potential Candidate countries to the EU; Eastern and Southern Partnerships countries; and Russia.
22.03.2012 New EMCDDA multicity project on wastewater analysis
The EMCDDA has recently launched a multicity ‘demonstration project’ to investigate the potential of wastewater analysis as an indicator for estimating community drug use levels. By the end of 2012, the project will have generated comparable data from at least 15 European cities, thanks to an agreed common sampling approach designed to ensure maximum comparability. To mark World Water Day (22 March), EMCDDA resources in the area of wastewater analysis are showcased on a special page devoted to the topic.
16.03.2012 UK House of Lords publishes report on EU drugs strategy
In a report published today, the UK House of Lords European Union Committee looks at what the current EU drugs strategy (2005–12) has achieved, and what should come next. The report underlines the value of the strategy in ‘providing a guiding framework within which Member States can formulate their national drug policies’. The committee suggests that the next strategy should concentrate on ‘areas where the EU can make a major contribution’, such as the coordination of the fight against drug trafficking.
06.03.2012 The ever-changing world of psychoactive drugs
The 'Ever-changing world of psychoactive drugs' is the focus of an international conference to take place in Budapest from 12–13 March. The event is an initiative of the EU-funded Recreational Drugs European Network (ReDNet) project and the EMCDDA. This conference will offer an opportunity to share scientific knowledge on the nature of new compounds and the clinical and legal challenges faced by multidisciplinary professionals today.
25.01.2012 Speech by Wolfgang Götz, EMCDDA Director at the Global forum on combating illicit drug trafficking and related threats, 25–27 January 2012, Brussels
‘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.
Page last updated: Wednesday, 16 January 2013