EMCDDA news

(Lisbon, 23.03.2015) The EMCDDA publishes today its first overview of the drug situation in the Western Balkans. The report describes a region facing a complex array of drug use problems and associated health and social consequences.

The result of the EMCDDA’s cooperation with countries in the Western Balkans over many years, this report is the first of its kind. It gives insight into the drug-related problems faced by six countries in the region, through the available data gathered by a range of partners and the EMCDDA. Funded through the European Commission’s Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) assistance instrument, the report will be the starting point for building a more detailed and accurate picture of the drug situation and responses in the Western Balkans and will lead to information and analysis that represent an added value for the countries involved, as well as European and national stakeholders.

(Lisbon/Vienna, 09.03.2015) New psychoactive substances (NPS or ‘new drugs’) were detected in the European Union last year at the rate of around two per week, according to an update issued today by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA). A total of 101 new substances were reported to the EU Early Warning System (EWS) in 2014 (up from 81 in 2013), continuing an upward trend in substances notified in a single year.

This short report provides an update on new psychoactive substances (NPS) in Europe for 2014. It highlights recent developments, including the growth of the market over the past few years, as illustrated by seizures by law enforcement and other indicators, as well as the growing number of serious harms that are being reported as a result.

Please also see the accompanying poster/wall-chart.

Poster/wall-chart to accompany the EMCDDA publication: New psychoactive substances in Europe — an update from the EU Early Warning System.