DRUGNET EUROPE,update

 

This is a monthly news round-up published by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). Any item may be reproduced provided the source is acknowledged.

May 2026 | Issue 200 EUROPEAN DRUG REPORT 9 June: European Drug Report 2026 New substances, new markets, new risks — understanding Europe’s changing drug landscape starts with solid facts. We will be launching the European Drug Report 2026: Trends and Developments on 9 June in Brussels, delivering the latest evidence on the state of the drugs problem in Europe. Drawing on data from 29 countries (EU-27, Norway and Türkiye), the comprehensive analysis covers drug use and supply as well as drug-related harms and responses. The press conference will be livestreamed.  News release (25 languages) >> | EDR event page >> RESPONSES New EUDA miniguide: dual disorders  Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (‘dual disorders’) are a key concern for policy and service planning in Europe, prompting calls for more integrated and coordinated care systems. This is according to a new EUDA miniguide released on 21 May, which explores how European countries are responding to the challenge. The publication, Dual disorders: health and social responses, is part of our wider series of miniguides on evidence-based responses to drug-related problems in Europe. It examines how mental health disorders and substance use disorders can interact, complicating diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The guide stresses that improving care for dual disorders will require closer coordination between mental health and substance use services, better data collection and sustained investment in integrated systems. It also highlights the need for more research and improved monitoring of mental health conditions among people entering drug treatment in Europe.  Read more >> | Miniguide >> STRATEGY 2030 Help us shape EUDA Strategy 2030!  In June, we will be launching a public consultation on our website to help inform the development of the EUDA Strategy 2030. As the agency continues to evolve under its expanded mandate, the consultation will gather views on future priorities, expectations and areas for improvement, helping to shape how the EUDA supports Europe’s preparedness and response to drug-related health and security challenges. The consultation forms part of a wider stakeholder engagement process supporting the preparation of the new strategy. Coming soon >>  LEARNING Register now for our upcoming webinar!  Drug market-related violence poses a persistent and evolving challenge to public health, criminal justice systems and international security. It encompasses a wide spectrum of violent phenomena, ranging from homicides and shootings linked to drug production and trafficking, to robberies committed to finance drug use, violent victimisation and offending associated with intoxication and dependency. Our upcoming webinar on 16 June seeks to help participants conceptualise and measure drug market-related violence. Read more >> | Register >> Ketamine in Europe: webinar recording This webinar, held on 27 May, provided insights into the European ketamine market and expanded on health-related harms caused by non-medical ketamine use. The webinar presented the findings from the latest Ketamine in Europe: EMPACT situation report covering developments in illicit markets and associated risks. Among others, it explored: key trends in the European ketamine market; health risks linked to non-medical use; and insights from recent analysis and monitoring. If you missed the event, a recording is now available via the link below.  Webinar >> | Recording >> RESEARCH Horizon Europe Cluster 3 call now open Does your work focus on drug use, prevention and crime? If so, you may be interested in 'Horizon Europe Cluster 3 — Civil Security for Society'. A call for proposals related to this cluster, launched on 6 May, invites research on the links between addictions and crime and on how prevention can work more effectively, both online and offline. The focus is on strengthening understanding, testing new approaches and bringing together research, innovation and practice to support more effective responses, particularly for young people at risk. For those working in research, policy or practice, this is an opportunity to contribute to stronger, evidence-based prevention approaches. News item >> | HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-04 >>  EUDA drug-related research webpage >> REITOX First round of NFP assessments completed! Across the EU, Norway and Türkiye, the Reitox national focal points (NFPs) curate and contextualise national drug information and contribute to situational analysis and early signal detection in their country to feed into the European picture. To support the quality and consistency of this work, the EUDA assesses each NFP’s contribution to the agency’s tasks, as well as its national coordination, data management and collaboration processes. Foreseen in the EUDA founding regulation (Article 35), the assessments are based on information provided by the NFPs and typically include onsite visits and in-depth discussions with national teams. They are designed to strengthen the quality of the work carried out for the agency under the EUDA regulation and the Reitox Alliance operating framework. This month marked the completion of the first full assessment cycle, launched in 2020, with the final visit taking place in Madrid on 20-21 May. All assessed NFPs successfully met the required standards. The EUDA would like to thank and congratulate the NFP teams for their strong engagement, professionalism and commitment throughout the process. Read more >> | Assessment >> | Methodology >>  HARM REDUCTION International Harm Reduction Day International Harm Reduction Day (7 May) is a reminder that pragmatic, evidence-based measures reduce preventable harms and save lives. Harm reduction is a core pillar of health and social responses for people who use drugs and includes a wide range of interventions: from needle and syringe exchange programmes and drug consumption rooms to opioid agonist treatment and drug checking services. At the EUDA, we support EU Member States with evidence and resources to strengthen these responses. Find out more on our harm reduction topics page.  Harm reduction topics page >> INTERNATIONAL Sharing experiences on drug policy and responses across regions This month, we welcomed delegations from Uruguay, Chile and Spain to exchange on drug use trends and responses. The discussions focused on practical aspects of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and social reintegration, as well as on how international cooperation can support more effective, evidence-based responses across regions. The aim was to connect experiences and approaches from different contexts and discuss how to build on them. The meeting was facilitated by FIAP in the context of the Cooperation Programme between Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union on drug policies (COPOLAD III). The initiative was in line with our International Cooperation Framework, adopted in June 2025, and contributed to the agency’s wider engagement with the Latin American and Caribbean region. SECURITY EUDA participates in MED9 conference On 18 and 19 May, our Executive Director Dr Lorraine Nolan represented the EUDA at the MED9 Ministers of the Interior Conference in Rovinj, Croatia, alongside Mediterranean EU Member States, EU institutions and agencies working together on shared challenges in migration, security and organised crime. MED9 is a group of nine EU countries (Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia) established to strengthen cooperation and coordinate positions on issues of common interest, particularly in the areas of migration, protection of the EU external borders, Mediterranean security, energy, climate policies and relations with countries of the southern neighbourhood. The conference, hosted by Croatia as current chair of the MED9, brought together partners from across the EU, including European Commissioners Dubravka Šuica and Magnus Brunner. Dr Nolan contributed to the discussion on maritime drug trafficking, a key issue for Europe’s internal security.  Read more >> VISITS European Ombudswoman visits EUDA This month, our Executive Director, Dr Lorraine Nolan welcomed the European Ombudswoman Dr Teresa Anjinho to the EUDA. Their exchange focused on how EU bodies can continue to strengthen transparency, accountability and good administration in practice. Discussions focused on public access to documents, the importance of clear and accessible administrative procedures and the role of ethical standards in maintaining public trust. The meeting also touched on recent guidance relating to ‘revolving door’ situations and how to safeguard trust in EU institutions. Exchanges such as these help ensure that our work is not only effective, but also open, fair and grounded in public service values.   JHAAN PRESIDENCY JHA agencies unite in solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing war Since the start of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the EU Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies have been supporting EU Member States and institutions in responding to the consequences of the war and assisting those affected and displaced. On 20 May, the nine JHA agencies published a Joint paper setting out their contribution to supporting Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. This is the fifth edition of the paper since 2022, covering the period from February 2025 to February 2026. The paper provides an overview of coordinated efforts by the JHA agencies in response to the situation in Ukraine, including agencies’ individual initiatives and joint actions across the network.  Read more >> | Joint paper  >> Sharing approaches and tools to identify and address emerging threats Preparedness against emerging threats depends on spotting risks early and acting together. On 8 May, the EUDA brought together experts from EU agencies and European Commission representatives (DG-HOME, DG-SANTE, JRC, HERA) to exchange approaches and tools to better prepare for emerging health and security threats. Discussions centred on practical approaches to strengthening resilience and enabling earlier, more effective responses. Today, agencies draw on a growing set of tools, from early-warning systems and risk assessments to vulnerability mapping and foresight, to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges. The meeting highlighted how these approaches can support timely intervention and stronger cooperation across sectors. Read more >>  JHAAN marks Europe Day Europe Day is a moment to reflect on what cooperation within the EU makes possible. Many of today’s challenges do not stop at borders. Addressing them requires institutions that cooperate, share knowledge and build trust. Within the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies’ Network (JHAAN), this cooperation takes place every day. By pooling expertise in justice, security and fundamental rights, our agencies support a Europe that is safer, fairer and better prepared. On Europe Day, we recognised the value of working together at the service of people in the EU. RECRUITMENT Legal officer    Six EU JHA agencies, eu-LISA, CEPOL, EUAA, EUDA, Europol and Frontex have launched a joint selection procedure for Legal officers (FG IV), which will create a shared reserve list across the agencies. The successful candidates will work on impactful legal matters supporting security, migration and justice in Europe. If you are a legal professional ready to contribute to a safer and more secure Europe, this is your chance to be part of something bigger! Deadline: 1 June 2026 | Read more >> Administrative assistant  The same six EU JHA agencies eu-LISA, CEPOL, EUAA, EUDA, Europol and Frontex have also launched a joint selection procedure for Administrative Assistants (FG III). This collaborative initiative creates a shared reserve list of successful candidates for these agencies, opening the door to opportunities across the EU. One application could open up career opportunities across several EU agencies in different parts of Europe, allowing you to work on impactful matters supporting security, migration and justice in Europe. Ready to join a diverse environment shaping EU policies and operations? Deadline: 9 June 2026 | Read more >>  DIVERSITY  EU Diversity Month 2026 Diversity and inclusion shape how we work and fulfil our mission. During EU Diversity Month in May, we join partners across Europe in highlighting the importance of inclusive workplaces and societies where different perspectives are valued and represented. At the EUDA, this is an ongoing commitment. Through our Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) group, we work to embed these principles in our day-to-day practices, from how we collaborate to how we design and deliver our work and reflect on it. In the coming months, this will include a series of unit-level GEDI training sessions, helping teams reflect on their working environment and identify concrete actions to strengthen inclusion across the organisation. Together with fellow EU agencies, we are working towards workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued and able to contribute.   Learn more about EU Diversity Month >> DRUGNET EUROPE  Drugnet Europe at 200 This month, we've given Drugnet Europe a new look to celebrate its 200th edition! First launched on 26 September 1996, the newsletter has evolved alongside the agency itself, reflecting changes in Europe’s drug situation, in communication tools and in the EUDA’s role over three decades and under four Directors. Over the years, the newsletter has taken many forms, from printed and PDF quarterly editions to the monthly email news round-up (introduced in 2018) that we use today. Along the way, it has become part of the agency’s institutional memory, documenting key developments, publications and milestones. As communication habits continue to evolve, we will be exploring new ways of sharing our news and updates in the months ahead. Watch this space. And for a trip down memory lane, click on the link below : >  Issues 1–100 | Issues 101–200 click ‘Past Issues’ at the top of this newsletter.

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