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The EMCDDA’s mission is to gather and analyze factual, objective, reliable and comparable information on drugs and drug addiction. In this way, the EMCDDA provides valid data for policy-making and anti-drugs initiatives.
International recognition and cooperation
Portugal is often cited as a successful example of drug policy management. Since 2001, it has decriminalized the use of all drugs, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation rather than criminal punishment. This innovative approach is often studied and praised in EMCDDA reports.
The observatory provides data not only to the 27 countries of the European Union, but also to Norway, Turkey, and countries in the Western Balkans, integrating them into an expanded system of epidemiological surveillance and exchange of best practices.
The presence of the EMCDDA in Lisbon enhances the city’s international standing and has fostered partnerships with universities, research centers, NGOs, and international organizations such as the UNODC (United Nations) and the WHO (World Health Organization).
In 2008, after some controversy from local citizens, the EMCDDA shared new premises with the European Maritime Safety Agency.
Almost 30 years old, the observatory’s main functions are:
- Monitoring trends in drug use and, above all, the responses found to solve the problem;
- Provide and encourage the sharing information on best practices in EU countries;
- Analyze and weigh up the risks of new psychoactive substances;
- Being responsible for a rapid alert system on new psychoactive substances;
- Improve tools and instruments to help EU countries monitor and evaluate their own national policies.
In addition, the beneficiaries of these studies, which are increasingly tailored to the needs required, are in this case: policymakers, particularly national authorities and representatives of European institutions; scientists and researchers; international organizations; professionals; the public.
