News

First European Prevention Curriculum training course in English for Caribbean countries

Today, 20 experts from eight Caribbean countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname) are embarking on a five-day online European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) basic training...

Second European Prevention Curriculum training course in Spanish for Latin America and Caribbean countries

Today, 30 experts from nine Latin American and Caribbean countries (Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela) are embarking on a five-day online European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC)...

International Overdose Awareness Day: EMCDDA answers key questions on drug-related deaths

How many people die every year in Europe from a drug-related death? Are young and old people affected equally? What substances are involved in these fatalities? These are some of the questions...

#WorldHepatitisDay: Helping to beat viral hepatitis

Every year, on 28 July, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners commemorate World Hepatitis Day to increase awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases it causes. Eliminating hepatitis as...

European Prevention Curriculum training course for Latin America takes first step in preparing culturally adapted materials

This week, 16 experts from five Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) are participating in an online European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) basic training course in Spanish. This is the...

Spain takes over EU presidency with the motto ‘Europe, closer’

This month, Spain took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU with the motto ‘Europe, closer’, reflecting the human, political and institutional closeness of the European project. Over the...

A gloved hand emptying a syringe disposal container on a table

New multi-city syringe analysis uncovers latest patterns of injecting drug use

The latest patterns of injecting drug use in a selection of European cities are presented today in a new analysis from the EMCDDA. The findings are from the agency’s ESCAPE project (...

New analysis sheds light on drug-related hospital emergencies in Europe

Data from hospital emergency departments show that every year in Europe thousands of individuals experience drug-related poisoning and other harms, requiring some kind of medical assistance. In a new analysis published today...

EMCDDA building in Cais do Sodré

New legislation grants Europe stronger powers to tackle current and future drug problems

New legislation published today grants Europe stronger powers to tackle current and future drug problems. The new Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council , revises the mandate of the...

Peruvian flag

Cooperation with Peru enhanced through new Working Arrangement with DEVIDA

Cooperation with Peru was enhanced this month following the signing of a Working Arrangement between the EMCDDA and the Peruvian National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs ( DEVIDA ). The...

people seen from above with legend: People first, stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention

#WorldDrugDay: Growing support in Europe for evidence-based prevention programmes, but more training needed

‘ People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention ’, is the theme of the 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (#WorldDrugDay). The EMCDDA will mark this occasion with...

Close-up of a male hand holding a transparent sachet with white powder

COPOLAD III: Expert meeting on the chemical concealment of cocaine

Increasingly sophisticated techniques are being used today to conceal and smuggle cocaine into Europe. Such techniques include incorporating cocaine base or hydrochloride (HCI) into other materials (e.g. beeswax, plastic, clothing), then extracting...

White powder, tablets, spoon and syringe on black table

Greater diversity in drug supply and use creates new challenges for Europe

Greater diversity in drug supply and use is creating new challenges for drug policy and healthcare in Europe. This is among the issues highlighted today by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs...

Georgian flag

EMCDDA4GE: Results of two-year cooperation project celebrated at closing event in Tbilisi

The results of fruitful cooperation between the EMCDDA and Georgian drug experts were celebrated today at the closing event of the two-year EMCDDA4Georgia project in Tbilisi. Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony...

asphalt road with yellow arrows and years 2022, 2023 and 2024

A year in review: General Report of Activities 2022 published today

2022 was a year of solid progress for the EMCDDA as it advanced with designing and delivering more innovative and faster services to its key customers. It was also a year of...

A gavel and herbal cannabis

New report describes growing complexity and change in cannabis laws in Europe

What forms of cannabis regulation are under consideration in Europe? What types of cannabis are controlled? Are cosmetic and wellness products containing cannabis legal? These are among the questions answered in a...

blue and brown globe on persons hand in a dark background

National Drug Observatories from Latin American and Caribbean countries meet in Lisbon for ‘COPOLAD week’

National Drug Observatories (NDOs) from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries are gathering in Lisbon from 22–26 May for a week of activities under the COPOLAD III programme. The overarching theme of...

labyrinth with a white light bulb at the centre

Skills and learning in focus as 2023 Reitox week begins

Representatives from a record 80 countries will be joining members of the EMCDDA this week (22–26 May) for the agency’s eleventh Reitox week . The purpose of this annual event is to...

hand hovering over a screen with question 'Howmany new drugs were detected in Europe over the last year?'

Coming soon: European Drug Report 2023 to be released on 16 June

How many new drugs were detected in Europe over the last year? What are the latest trends in drug production and trafficking? What substances are causing the most concern today? Find out...

EMCDDA: committed to protecting public health and supporting vulnerable populations

I was very pleased to learn that the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared this month that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a global health emergency. This is positive news for all...