BARACK OBAMA:The Person Behind Fired Up, Ready to Go

 

Barack Obama <info@email.obama.org> Απεγγραφή	3:35 μ.μ. (πριν από 4 ώρες)
προς εγώ

Hi there,   This is Edith Childs.    I met Edith in 2007, at a small get-together in Greenwood, South Carolina. It was the early days of my campaign for president, and I was still finding my way as a candidate.  I walked into the event in Greenwood after an hour and a half in the car. It was raining that day and there was only 20 people. But as I went around the room to shake people’s hands and thank them for coming, I suddenly heard this voice cry out, “Fired up!” And people shouted back, “Fired up!” Then I heard, “Ready to go!” And everyone shouted, “Ready to go!” I looked to see where the voice had come from, and there was Edith. I later learned that she had been active in the local NAACP and served on the Greenwood County Council. She was known in the community for raising people’s spirits.  When we left the event, I told my staff, “I’m feeling kind of fired up. Are you fired up?”  And they’d say, “Yeah, I’m fired up.” “Are you ready to go?” “Yeah, I’m feeling ready to go.”  We went on to do that chant in front of huge crowds of people across the county. Edith’s story was an example of how one person can change a room, and the ripple effect can go much further. And it spoke to a core belief of mine that leadership or inspiration can come from anywhere – and anyone.  Edith recently announced she was stepping down after 24 years on the Greenwood County Council. We reconnected so I could congratulate her on her years of service, and hear some of her advice for the next generation of leaders: Check out our reunion. Congratulations, Edith, and best of luck with your next chapter.  —Barack    Donate to empower rising leaders bringing hope to their communities. DONATE

Δήλωση του Πρωθυπουργού Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη

1 Μαρτίου 2023

Μόλις επέστρεψα από τον τόπο μιας τραγωδίας που θα μείνει για πάντα χαραγμένη στη συλλογική μας μνήμη. Δεκάδες συμπολίτες μας, οι πιο πολλοί νέα παιδιά, έχασαν εκεί τη ζωή τους, σε ένα φρικτό σιδηροδρομικό δυστύχημα χωρίς προηγούμενο στην πατρίδα μας.

Ευχαριστώ από καρδιάς τις γυναίκες και τους άνδρες του κρατικού μηχανισμού που κινητοποιήθηκαν από την πρώτη στιγμή. Πυροσβέστες και διασώστες, στελέχη του ΕΚΑΒ, της Αστυνομίας, της Αυτοδιοίκησης, όπως και τους γιατρούς και υγειονομικούς και τους ψυχολόγους στα νοσοκομεία μας. Έκαναν και κάνουν το καλύτερο δυνατό σε εξαιρετικά αντίξοες συνθήκες.

Συνάντησα συγγενείς των θυμάτων και των αγνοουμένων στο νοσοκομείο της Λάρισας. Μέσα στον ανείπωτο πόνο τους, με περίσσευμα αξιοπρέπειας, με ρώτησαν «γιατί». Και μου είπαν «ποτέ ξανά». Τους οφείλουμε μία ειλικρινή απάντηση.

Ο Υπουργός Υποδομών και Μεταφορών, Κώστας Καραμανλής, αναλαμβάνοντας την αντικειμενική πολιτική ευθύνη, υπέβαλε αμέσως την παραίτησή του. Το ίδιο και οι επικεφαλής του ΟΣΕ και της ΕΡΓΟΣΕ. Η στάση του τον τιμά, καθώς όλα δείχνουν πως το δράμα οφείλεται, δυστυχώς, κυρίως σε τραγικό ανθρώπινο λάθος.

Μεταβατικός Υπουργός, μέχρι τις εθνικές εκλογές, ορίζεται ο Υπουργός Επικρατείας, Γιώργος Γεραπετρίτης, από τον οποίο ήδη ζήτησα να προχωρήσει γρήγορα στη σύσταση ανεξάρτητης και υπερκομματικής Επιτροπής Εμπειρογνωμόνων, που θα εξετάσει πλήρως τα αίτια του δυστυχήματος. Αλλά θα εξετάσει και τις διαχρονικές καθυστερήσεις στην υλοποίηση των σιδηροδρομικών έργων.

Ταυτόχρονα, η Δικαιοσύνη θα κάνει τη δική της δουλειά. Οι ευθύνες θα αποδοθούν. Ενώ η πολιτεία θα σταθεί δίπλα στις οικογένειες των θυμάτων. Θα πενθήσουμε τα παιδιά μας, τα αδέρφια μας, τους φίλους μας. Θα μείνουμε ενωμένοι και σε αυτή την τραγωδία. Και, μετά, θα σκύψουμε το κεφάλι και θα σφίξουμε τα δόντια. Θα δουλέψουμε ώστε αυτό το «ποτέ ξανά» που άκουσα στη Λάρισα να μην μείνει λόγος κενός.

Σας το υπόσχομαι.

APEC latest news

OUT NOW: Outcomes and Outlook 2022/2023

APEC Posts Lower Economic Growth, Weaker Trade Activity

Issued by the APEC Policy Support Unit

Palm Springs, The United States, 28 February 2023

The Asia-Pacific’s economy grew 2.6 percent in 2022, a decline from 6.1 percent growth in 2021, according to a new report published by the APEC Policy Support Unit.

The region’s economy is expected to pick up in the short term with gross domestic product (GDP) projected to expand by 3.1 percent this year.

“The combination of an enduring pandemic, high inflation coupled with rising interest rates and debts, as well as the ongoing geopolitical issues resulted in a significant slowdown in the global economy during 2022,” explained Carlos Kuriyama, the newly appointed director for the APEC Policy Support Unit.

“Both consumers and investors were cautious last year due to uncertainties and the gloomy economic outlook,” Kuriyama continued. “As a result, demand and investment activities progressed slowly.”

Inflation in APEC reached 5.8 percent in 2022. This is the highest inflation rate since the financial crisis in 2008, when it peaked at 6.6 percent. The report projects APEC’s inflation to taper down to 3.9 percent this year, declining further to 2.7 percent in 2024.

“The sustained and broad-based increase in prices promoted an aggressive and synchronized response from monetary authorities across the world,” said Rhea C. Hernando, a senior researcher with the Policy Support Unit. “In APEC, we are seeing the majority of central banks increase interest rates to dampen price pressures.”

Rising uncertainties also weakened merchandise trade in APEC during the first nine months of 2022. Growth in the volume of APEC’s merchandise exports was flat, while merchandise imports grew by 4.3 percent compared to the same period last year, when these expanded by 14.4 percent and 16.1 percent respectively. Meanwhile the value of merchandise trade’s exports and imports grew by 14.5 percent, showing more resilience due to relatively high energy prices in 2022, driven in turn by supply shocks.

“We expect a modest growth of trade volumes in APEC this year, following the slowdown in global demand” Kuriyama added.

In contrast, commercial services trade performed better in 2022, with exports and imports growing by 13 percent and 15.6 percent respectively in the second quarter of last year. The strong expansion in trade in this sector was propelled by travel services, which increased by 60 percent as economies progressively reopened borders and relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.

Officials from the 21 APEC member economies are convening in Palm Springs, California, to kick off the first technical meeting cluster of APEC 2023. The United States is hosting APEC this year and will drive the forum’s agenda under the theme “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.”

“Taking advantage of the upcoming meetings in Palm Springs, member economies should prioritize efforts to coordinate clear and consistent policies,” Kuriyama said. “Coordinated macroeconomic policies play an important role in addressing the rising cost of living”.

“In addition, keeping trade free, fair and open, and boosting trade facilitation could reduce the pressure on food and energy prices considerably, mitigating the adverse impact on food security and poverty levels” he continued.

To read more about the revamped APEC Regional Trends Analysis, visit this page.

 For further details, please contact:

Masyitha Baziad +65 9751 2146 at mb@apec.org
Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at mc@apec.org

Αυξάνεται ο πληθυσμός του τσακαλιού σε ολόκληρη την Ελλάδα

 https://dasarxeio.com/2023/03/01/123064/

Ερευνα για την αύξηση του είδους στην περιοχή της Κερκίνης



Σημαντική αύξηση έχει σημειώσει ο αριθμός του τσακαλιού σε ολόκληρη την Ελλάδα, ενώ ειδικά στην περιοχή της Κερκίνης, το χαρακτηριστικό ουρλιαχτό του ακούγεται ξανά ύστερα από 10 χρόνια! «Παρατηρούμε έκρηξη του πληθυσμού του τσακαλιού, τα τελευταία 15-20 χρόνια, με την κατανομή του να καλύπτει ένα πολύ μεγάλο μέρος της χώρας. Το συναντάμε σε σχεδόν όλους του οικότοπους που υπάρχουν στην Ελλάδα, από το ύψος της θάλασσας μέχρι και τα 1700 μέτρα υψόμετρο. Οι λόγοι αυτής της αύξησης δεν έχουν εξεταστεί επαρκώς και γίνεται προσπάθεια, τα τελευταία χρόνια, να δοθεί μια εξήγηση», αναφέρει στο ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ ο ζωολόγος – οικολόγος, σύμβουλος Διαχείρισης Φυσικού Περιβάλλοντος και υποψήφιος Διδάκτορας του Αριστοτέλειου Πανεπιστήμιου Θεσσαλονίκης Θεόδωρος Κομηνός......

https://dasarxeio.com/2023/03/01/123064/

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΟΥ ΜΗΤΣΟΤΑΚΗ,ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ πρόσφατη δραστηριότητα

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau latest

 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness

February 27, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness.

The prime ministers discussed the ongoing crisis in Haiti, including the important role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and emphasized the need for continued support of a Haitian-led solution to the crisis it is facing.

The leaders also discussed the significance of the CARICOM mission to Haiti led by Prime Minister Holness scheduled to take place today. The leaders exchanged on the importance of engaging with a wide range of Haitian stakeholders as a means of better understanding the needs of the Haitian people and how best to provide support.

Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed CARICOM’s role in helping to facilitate an inclusive political dialogue and underscored the importance of increasing the capabilities of the Haitian National Police to bring stability to the country.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

Associated Links

• Canada-Jamaica relations
• Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean
• Prime Minister strengthens ties with the Caribbean, announces new support for the Haitian people
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness
• Forty-Fourth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM

Statement by the Prime Minister on Ukraine’s Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol

February 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Ukraine’s Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol:

“Today, we mark Ukraine’s Day of Resistance and reaffirm our commitment to always stand with the Ukrainian people in their fight for a free and independent Ukraine.

“Nine years ago, on February 26, 2014, an estimated 10,000 Ukrainians bravely rallied outside the Crimean Parliament building in Simferopol to protest Russia’s attempt to illegally annex Crimea from Ukraine. It was the largest gathering of its kind in Ukrainian history.

“Now, one year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we are yet again reminded of the bravery of people of Ukraine, who continue to make immense sacrifices in service of their country. We stand in solidarity with the missing and the displaced, and with the families of those who lost their lives. Every day, Ukrainians continue to show their courage and resilience as they defend themselves and their country from Russia’s brutal attacks on people, including its repeated human rights violations, and targeting of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

“The international community’s support is critical to Ukraine’s success. Last year alone, Canada committed over $5 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including well over $1 billion in military aid. We have imposed severe sanctions on key Russian individuals and entities and, together with our allies, we are supporting Ukrainian troops with training through Operation UNIFIER. And we are providing Ukraine with eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks and donating a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) – an air defence system that protects against drone, missile, and aircraft attack.

“On Ukraine’s Day of Resistance, Canada reaffirms its commitment to Ukrainians and the principles they’re fighting for – democracy, justice, and freedom. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support Ukraine, for as long as it takes.

“As Ukrainians continue to fight for the land that is rightfully theirs, today we reiterate that Crimea is, and will always be, Ukraine.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Gordon Pinsent

February 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Gordon Pinsent:

“It was with profound sadness that I learned yesterday about the passing of Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent – one of the country’s most prolific and beloved actors.

“Born in Grand Falls, N.L., Mr. Pinsent had a storied career, spanning over six decades, as an actor, writer, director and singer. He will be fondly remembered for his many roles in Canadian shows and films, including Away From Her, The Rowdyman, The Forest Rangers, The Red Green Show, Due South, The Grand Seduction, Street Legal, Republic of Doyle, and as the voice of Babar the Elephant.

“He won every major acting prize in the country, including two ACTRA awards, three Genie awards, five Gemini awards, and a Dora Mavor Moore award. Over the course of his career, Mr. Pinsent was named a Companion of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He also received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, the Earle Grey Award for lifetime achievement in television, and was honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2007.

“Mr. Pinsent loved his province and his country deeply. He entertained millions around the world and inspired us to say ‘yes’ to doing the things we love and to pursuing our dreams. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and his many fans.”

Supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes

February 24, 2023
Toronto, Ontario

One year ago today, Putin launched a brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the face of the immense human suffering, appalling human rights violations, and cruelty inflicted upon the people of an independent and sovereign nation, Ukraine still stands strong. The Ukrainian people have bravely stood up to the Russian regime, in defence of their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence – and our shared values of democracy and freedom. The Government of Canada will stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Today, the Prime Minister announced new measures to continue supporting the people of Ukraine, including with new military equipment and additional sanctions.

Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will provide four additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine in defence of their country, growing our contribution to eight tanks in total. Canada will also provide an armoured recovery vehicle and over 5,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. The four previously announced Leopard 2 main battle tanks have been delivered to Poland and a Canadian Armed Forces team of trainers is currently training Ukrainian tank crews.

To increase pressure on Putin’s regime, the Prime Minister announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions on individuals and entities complicit in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. These new measures, which build on the sanctions we have already implemented the past year, include:

• Sanctioning 122 individuals and 13 entities, including members of the lower house of Russia’s parliament who have voted in favour of legislation related to the invasion and attempted annexation of four regions of Ukraine. Other sanctioned individuals include Russian Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, and others in the Office of the President of Russia and the Russian military, as well as family members of previously sanctioned individuals;
• Sanctioning seven Russian individuals and 50 defence entities involved in Russia’s defence industry, including the production of tanks, missiles, and weapons systems that Russia is using in Ukraine; and
• Prohibiting the export to Russia of certain chemical elements for use in electronics, and banning the import, purchase, or acquisition of Russian arms, ammunition, and other weapons, wherever situated or processed, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

In addition, Canada is further combatting Russian and Belarusian deception by tackling their unfair trade practices. We are calling out those countries for intervening to artificially lower the price of their goods. This measure ensures that the Canada Border Services Agency has the tools it needs to protect Canadian producers from competing against unfair foreign government price distortions on imports, which have become increasingly evident since the invasion of Ukraine.

Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced more than $32 million in support of security and stabilization in the country. This includes contributions to demining and accountability efforts, as well as countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats that jeopardize the safety of the entire region.

As we mark one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we pay tribute to the lives tragically lost to the brutality of Russia’s senseless war, and we honour the Ukrainians who continue to fight. We will always stand united and steadfast in solidarity with Ukraine and in the fight to protect their country, and freedom and democracy everywhere.

Quotes

“Putin thought his invasion would be a quick victory, but he was mistaken. Ukrainians have stood strong over the last 365 days and counting, and as Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine, Canada and Canadians will stand by the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.”

The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“In seeking to erase Ukraine from the map and its story from history, Putin is trying to show that tyranny can defeat democracy. Instead, the brave people of Ukraine, in their heroic resistance, are ensuring that Ukraine will survive, and democracy will prevail. Canada will stand by Ukraine’s side for as long as it takes, and we will continue to do everything we can to hold Putin and his regime accountable for their illegal and barbaric war.”

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“For one year, President Putin and his war machine have been trying to squash Ukrainian resolve through unrelenting attacks on their homeland. But Ukrainians continue to stand against tyranny and fight for what is rightfully theirs. Their spirit is unbreakable, and so is our support for them. Canada stands with Ukraine, and we will continue to do so for as long as it takes.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canada is continuing to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid it needs to defend its territory and people against ongoing Russian aggression. Canada has trained 35,000 Ukrainian personnel through Operation UNIFIER, we have donated over $1 billion in military aid, and our Canadian Armed Forces personnel have transported over seven million pounds of Ukraine-bound donations. Ukraine will win and Canada will be there until the end.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

• Since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,400 individuals and entities. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners.
• In 2022, Canada committed over $5 billion in direct financial, military, humanitarian, and immigration assistance to Ukraine. This includes $2.5 billion in direct economic support, all of which has been provided, including:
  • $320 million in humanitarian assistance for emergency health services, protection, support to displaced populations and essential life-saving services such as shelter, water and sanitation, and food.
  • $1.95 billion in loan resources through the Administered Account for Ukraine at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Canada championed ($500 million of which represents equivalent proceeds from the Ukraine Sovereignty Bond);
  • $500 million in direct bilateral loans; and
  • A €36.5 million (approximately $50 million) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan guarantee to facilitate support to Ukraine’s Naftogaz.
• As part of our overall contribution, Canada has also committed $115 million to the World Bank Group’s Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) to help Ukraine repair its energy infrastructure. Canada has also temporarily removed trade tariffs on Ukrainian imports.
• Canadian Armed Forces members are supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom and Poland under Operation UNIFIER, providing training on a range of military skills. Between 2015 and 2023, Canada trained more than 35,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces as part of Operation UNIFIER.
• The Canadian Armed Forces have been assisting with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine from Canada and on behalf of our allies and partners, having transported over seven million pounds of military donations since March 2022.
• Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes four Leopard 2 main battle tanks, over 200 armoured personnel carriers, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more.
• Canada is helping Ukrainian families find a safe, temporary home in Canada, and has put in place support services to help them after they arrive. This includes temporary financial assistance and access to federally funded settlement services, such as language training and employment-related services.
• Streamlining current visa and travel requirements, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians and their family members to come to Canada. As of February 16, 2023, close to 560,000 applications have been approved. 
• The government has introduced legislative changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to ensure foreign nationals subject to sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act are inadmissible to Canada, banning sanctioned Russians from entering the country. These changes will allow the Canada Border Services Agency to deny entry to, and remove, individuals subjected to sanctions, and will allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada officials to deny visas.

Associated Links

• Sanctions – Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia
• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canadian donations and military support to Ukraine
• Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
• G7 Leaders’ Statement
• Canada to increase support for security and stabilization efforts in Ukraine
• Prime Minister announces news measures to support Ukraine
• Minister Joly travels to Ukraine to discuss ongoing and unwavering Canadian support for Ukraine

Drugnet Europe,latest

Issue 162 February 2023 MARKETS Officials visit Port of Antwerp following continued rise in cocaine seizures  European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson visited the Port of Antwerp on 7 February, following the continued rise in the quantity of cocaine seized at the port. The Commissioner was accompanied by Belgian Minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden, EMCDDA Director Alexis Goosdeel and a representative of Europol. In recent years, Belgium has become the country seizing the largest quantities of cocaine in the EU.  Read more >> | Press conference >>  GOVERNANCE New work programme prepares agency for significant changes ahead This month, the EMCDDA published its latest three-year work programme in the form of the Single Programming Document (SPD) for 2023–2025. This period promises to be an exciting phase for the organisation during which it transforms into the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) in 2024. The current SPD includes the 2023 annual work programme. Key activities this year will include: preparing the organisation for a broader new mandate, serving our customers with timely analysis on hot topics (e.g. cannabis policies), and furthering our digital-first communication approach in the delivery of services and products. Message from the Director >> | SPD 2023–2025 >> EMCDDA founding regulation turns 30 On 8 February, the EMCDDA founding regulation turned 30. On 8 February 1993, the adoption of Council Regulation (EEC) No 302/93 marked the birth of the agency. This was a milestone in the history of European action on drugs, symbolising a major political decision to build drug policies on scientific evidence rather than on ideology. Since its creation, the EMCDDA has provided strategic analysis in a policy area that cuts across health and security. The agency opened for business in Lisbon in 1995 and celebrated 25 years of monitoring in 2020. News item >> | Timeline >> | History >>  INTERNATIONAL  Cooperation with Central Asia: EMCDDA and FIIAPP sign working arrangement  On 15 February, the EMCDDA signed a working arrangement with the International Ibero-American Foundation for Public Policies and Administrations (FIIAPP) on the implementation of activities under the latest Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP 7). The activities include facilitating the exchange of knowledge between experts in the EU and Central Asia and offering EMCDDA internships to Central Asian nationals. CADAP is a drug demand reduction initiative designed to promote the development of effective, comprehensive drug policies, based on scientific evidence and best practice. Five Central Asian countries participate in the programme: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.  Read more >>  LEARNING Latest webinar recording available 'Methamphetamine in Europe — past and present' was the title of our first webinar of 2023. For those who missed the event on 15 February, you can now catch up by viewing the recording. The webinar explored the origins, development and current problem of methamphetamine in Europe, with a specific focus on Czechia and Spain. Read more >> | Watch video >> European Drugs Summer School 2023 'Mental health and drug-related issues' will be the theme of the 2023 European Drugs Summer School (EDSS), taking place in Lisbon from 26 June to 7 July. This face-to-face two-week course will include lectures on drugs and mental health, dual diagnosis and integrated interventions. Study visits will be organised to one of the Portuguese commissions for dissuasion as well as to mobile methadone units and a drug consumption room in Lisbon. During the course, students will participate in interactive workshops to discuss their own projects and views. The course will conclude with an open debate with guest speakers, followed by an exam for those wishing to obtain credits. EDSS >> | Read more >>  Deadlines: Early-bird 28.02.2023 | Final 29.05.2023 Apply now for EDSS bursaries! A number of bursaries for the 2023 European Drugs Summer School (EDSS) have been announced this month. These are offered under the EMCDDA's technical cooperation programmes (COPOLAD III, EU4MD II and IPA8). | Latin America and the Caribbean (COPOLAD III) >>  | European Neighbourhood Policy area (EU4MD II) >>  | Western Balkan region (IPA8) >>  PRISONS New WHO status report on prison health The EMCDDA participated in the launch of the Status report on prison health in the WHO European region 2022 at an event hosted by the Portuguese Government on 15 February. The report provides an overview of prison health problems and the performance of prison health systems in the region, based on survey data from 36 countries. The data show that countries' response to COVID-19 in prisons was generally good, but they also reveal areas of concern, such as overcrowding and a lack of mental health services. During the meeting, the EMCDDA presented its work on harm reduction in European prisons. The agency collaborates with WHO-Europe on this topic as a member of the steering committee of its Health in Prison Programme (HIPP) and of the technical expert group of its Health in Prisons European Database (HIPED).  WHO news release >> | EMCDDA prison topics page >> VISITS CEPOL visit to EMCDDA On 16 February, Montserrat Marín López, Executive Director of the European Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), paid her first visit to the EMCDDA. The talks focused on cooperation between the two agencies and the EMCDDA’s current and future role in the light of a new mandate in 2024. The agencies signed a working arrangement in 2022 to improve their capacity to deliver training to the European law-enforcement community and reinforce the drug-related content of training curricula. Read more >> Ambassadorial events On 13 February, EMCDDA Director Alexis Goosdeel joined in celebrations marking 50 years of EU membership of Denmark and Ireland. The event was organised by the Ambassadors of the two countries in Portugal, H.E. Maria Nilaus Tarp and H.E. Ralph Victory, and the Head of the European Commission Representation in Portugal Sofia Moreira de Sousa. On 22 February, the Director was also honoured to welcome to the agency the Ambassadors of Mexico and Australia, H.E. Bruno Figueroa and H.E. Indra McCormick. Related links  News | Events | Publications