EMCDDA

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) is an agency of the European Union (EU) established in 1993 to provide the EU and its Member States with objective, evidence-based information about drugs and drug addiction. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, the EMCDDA supports evidence-based drug policy development, harm reduction, and public health responses across Europe. Its work is guided by the EU Drugs Strategy, which aims to reduce drug-related harm, improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs, and strengthen cooperation among EU countries.

The EMCDDA operates under the authority of the European Commission and collaborates closely with national drug agencies, research institutions, and international organizations. Its primary functions include monitoring drug trends, assessing drug-related risks, and disseminating information through reports, databases, and analytical tools. Key initiatives include the *European Drug Report*, which provides annual overviews of drug use, supply, and demand trends, as well as the *European Drug Information Network (EMN)*, which collects data from EU Member States. The agency also conducts research on emerging drugs, treatment effectiveness, and prevention strategies.

The EMCDDA’s mandate extends beyond the EU, engaging with neighboring countries and global partners to address transnational drug challenges. It promotes harm reduction, such as needle exchange programs and opioid substitution therapy, while advocating for balanced drug policies that combine repression with public health approaches. The agency’s transparency and independent analysis make it a trusted resource for policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations working to combat drug-related issues.

Funded by the EU budget, the EMCDDA operates independently to ensure impartiality in its findings. Its work is essential for informing evidence-based drug policies that prioritize health, safety, and human rights across Europe.