News

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.

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.

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson paid her first visit to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) today during a day of events relating to the fight against organised crime.

Today, the European Commission has proposed to control two harmful new psychoactive substances (NPS) across the European Union. The substances in question — MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-MDMB-BICA — are both synthetic cannabinoids, which have been raising health concerns in Europe (1).

Opioid substitution treatment (OST) is a key evidence-based tool used to manage opioid dependence and improve related health and social consequences. Yet increasing reports of the diversion and misuse of the controlled drugs used in this treatment in Europe are a cause for concern.

This month, Portugal took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU with the motto ‘Time to deliver: a fair, green and digital recovery’.

Professionals, academics or experts from European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries (1) will have an opportunity to participate in the European Drugs Winter and Summer Schools this year, thanks to 10 bursaries being offered through the EU4Monitoring Drugs (EU4MD

Data from hospital emergency departments show that every year in Europe thousands of individuals experience drug-related toxicity and other harms, resulting in emergency presentations to hospital (1).

The emergence of new drug trafficking routes, the reduced availability of drug-related health services and the adaptation of drug treatment protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic are among the findings highlighted today in a new EMCDDA report: