News archive for 2021 | www.emcdda.europa.eu

photo of father Vítor Feytor Pinto

In Memoriam — Father Vítor Feytor Pinto

It was with great sadness that the EMCDDA learned this week of the death of Father Vítor Feytor Pinto. The first Chair of the EMCDDA Management Board — a position he held between 1994 and 1997 —...

EUSPR Leading European Prevention Science Practitioner Honour 2021 goes to Artur Malczewski

The EMCDDA would like to congratulate Head of the Polish national focal point, Artur Malczewski, on receiving the Leading European Prevention Science Practitioner Honour 2021 from the European...

Registration opens for European Drugs Winter and Summer Schools 2022

The EMCDDA and the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL) are pleased to open registration today for two upcoming joint events in 2022: the European Drugs Winter School (EDWS) and the European...

Picture of crystal methamphetamine

Methamphetamine from Afghanistan: ‘signals indicate that Europe should be better prepared’, says new EMCDDA report

This report was prepared before recent developments in Afghanistan and before the withdrawal of US military and other NATO allies from the country. The findings of this report are preliminary and...

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Six steps to improve the quality of drug services and systems — EMCDDA launches new practical manual for decision-makers

Six steps to help improve the quality of drug services and systems in Europe are presented today in a new manual from the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA).

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Green light for two-year work programme on bilateral cooperation with Georgia

A two-year work programme on bilateral cooperation with Georgia was agreed upon today at the first advisory committee meeting of the EMCDDA4Georgia project, hosted virtually by the agency. Launched...

photo of jorge sampaio former president of portugal

In memoriam — His Excellency Dr Jorge Sampaio

It was with great sadness that the EMCDDA learned today of the passing of His Excellency Dr Jorge Sampaio, former President of the Portuguese Republic.

close-up of synthetic cannabinoid

New report highlights public health and social risks posed by synthetic cannabinoids in Europe

Synthetic cannabinoids come under the spotlight today in a new report released by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA). Widely available across Europe and highly potent, these substances are placing some...

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EMCDDA expert meeting on digital health innovation

Recent EMCDDA studies on the impact of COVID-19 containment measures on drug services in Europe highlighted the rapid and widespread adoption of telemedicine and online communication. In some...

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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 women and men affected equally? What substances are involved in these fatalities? These are some of the questions answered in...

hepatitis world day theme 2021: hep can't wait

EMCDDA launches new resources to help European countries beat viral hepatitis

On World Hepatitis Day, the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) is launching a new set of resources to help European countries meet health targets to eliminate viral hepatitis.

close up of dried cannabis buds

France: Parliamentary Committee reports on cannabis regulation

In May 2021, a multidisciplinary committee established by the French Parliament published three reports on cannabis regulation.

picture of Tomáš Zábranský

In memoriam — Tomáš Zábranský

It was with great sadness that the EMCDDA learned this week of the passing of its long-term friend and colleague Tomáš Zábranský MD, PhD. Dr Zábranský was a highly-esteemed Czech epidemiologist, who...

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EMCDDA Best practice portal update (3/2021)

Contingency Management – evidence continues to build-up, time to start talking about implementation? According to the just published EMCDDA European Drug Report cocaine is the second most commonly...

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News from EU4Monitoring Drugs, an EMCDDA technical cooperation project

This content was published in the EU4MD update released on 30.06.2021. This update also presents a section on partnerships, annoucements, studies, upcoming events, and a research corner.

Picture shows outside of prision with razor wire.

New EMCDDA report underlines need to scale up drug services in prisons

Current insights and future challenges on drugs and prison in Europe are explored today in a major new study published by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA)(1).

Council approves EU Drugs Action Plan 2021–2025

The Council of the EU (Foreign Affairs) approved on 21 June the EU Drugs Action Plan for 2021–2025.

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A year in review: General Report of Activities 2020 published today

Resilience, agility and innovation are among the recurring themes in the latest EMCDDA General Report of Activities, released today. The annual publication — presenting key achievements and...

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What are the lessons to be learnt from the European Drug Report 2021?

The new EU Drugs Strategy 2021–25 makes explicit that the European response to drugs should be evidence-based and delivered through a balanced and integrated approach, which ultimately must be judged...

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New report highlights public health risks and increasing availability of ‘designer benzodiazepines’ in Europe

New benzodiazepines, which are not controlled by international drug laws, come under the spotlight today in a new report released by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) (1). Often marketed as ‘designer...

image of part of the european drug report 2021

European drug market proves resilient to COVID-19 disruption

Today, the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) publishes its European Drug Report 2021: Trends and Developments, the latest annual review of the drug situation in Europe (1). Based on data from 29 countries (EU...

Speech delivered by Laura d’Arrigo, Chair of the EMCDDA Management Board, on the launch of the European Drug Report 2021

Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the way in which we live. Countries in Europe, and around the world, have had to introduce unprecedented measures to protect...

cover of european drug report with date of launch 9 June

Save the date: European Drug Report 2021 to be released on 9 June

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected drug use and supply? What drugs are causing the most concern today? What are the latest trends in drug production and trafficking? Find out more when the EU...

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Latest wastewater data reveal drug-taking habits in a record 82 European cities

The 2020 findings from the largest European project in the science of wastewater analysis are revealed today in Wastewater analysis and drugs — a European multi-city study, published by the Europe-...

photo sprout cannabis plants in soil

Legalisation of cannabis in 3 US states: New York, Virginia, New Mexico

In the last few weeks, three US states have legalised cannabis for recreational purposes, all via the legislature and not via public ballots. New York, Virginia and New Mexico will begin by...

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EMCDDA launches its first bilateral technical cooperation project with Georgia

The EMCDDA has launched today its first bilateral technical cooperation project with Georgia aimed at enhancing national responses to drug-related health and security threats. The EMCDDA4Georgia...

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EMCDDA releases third trendspotter study on COVID-19 and drugs

In the third in its series of rapid ‘trendspotter’ studies, the EMCDDA explores the impact of COVID-19 on the drug situation and responses to it.

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Austrian Minister for the EU and Constitution visits the EMCDDA

Austrian Federal Minister for the European Union and Constitution Karoline Edtstadler, visits the EMCDDA today where she will meet EMCDDA Director Alexis Goosdeel.

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News from EU4Monitoring Drugs, an EMCDDA technical cooperation project

This content was published in the EU4MD update released on 16.04.2021. This update also presents a section on partnerships, annoucements, studies, upcoming events, and a research corner.

image of long brown tables and stools in classroom

EMCDDA Best practice portal update (2/2021)

School-based programmes to improve mental health and well-being and reduce risks

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