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Organisation

The EUDA’s organisation consists of a Directorate to manage the agency, two statutory bodies (Management Board and Scientific Committee) to advise and assist in the decision making process, and, finally, the various working units (which comprises the majority of the EUDA’s staff) to run the agency and ultimately deliver its products and services.

Directorate

The Directorate consists of the Executive Director and a management team. The Executive Director of the EUDA is proposed by the European Commission and appointed by the agency's Management Board for a renewable five-year period.

Our mission is to ensure the agency delivers on its goals, as set out in the EUDA regulation. This includes:

  • preparing and implementing the agency’s work programmes;
  • preparing and implementing the agency’s budget;
  • preparing and implementing all other decisions and programmes adopted by the agency’s Management Board;
  • preparing a statement of revenue and expenditure and on the implementation of the budget;
  • ensuring the production of the publications required by the agency’s Regulation (EC) no 1920/2006;
  • preparing and implementing all staff matters;
  • ensuring day-to-day administration and management.

In short, the Directorate ensures that the EUDA operates effectively, transparently and in line with its mandate − to support Europe’s response to drug-related challenges through reliable data, research and coordination.

Executive office unit (EXO)

The Executive office supports the Executive Director in delivering the agency’s strategy and priorities.

We help ensure good governance by coordinating strategic planning, setting priorities and gathering performance data to support informed decision-making. We also coordinate institutional requests and provide support to the Management Board.

Our role is to keep the Agency aligned, efficient and focused on its mission.

Substance use, harms and responses unit (SHR)

The Substance use, harms and responses unit works to protect public health by helping the EU prepare for and respond to drug-related health challenges.

We focus on three key areas:

  • Monitoring trends – We track patterns of drug use, related health harms and behavioural addictions. This helps us quickly identify and assess new threats.
  • Early warning and alerts – We manage the EU’s early warning system for new drugs, coordinate a network of expert laboratories, and operate a rapid drug alert system to inform and protect the public.
  • Health and social responses – We promote effective, evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment, harm reduction and social reintegration for people affected by drugs.

Our mission is to provide clear, timely and science-based insights that help policymakers, professionals and communities reduce drug-related harm. By working together across countries and disciplines, we strengthen Europe’s ability to respond to current and future drug challenges.

Policy, crime and markets unit (PCM)

The Policy, crime and markets (PCM) Unit supports the EUDA’s efforts to better understand and respond to drug-related challenges. We provide reliable, fact-based information on drug markets, drug-related crime, the misuse of drug precursors and drug policy trends across Europe.

Our goal is to help shape effective public health and security responses by offering clear, evidence-based insights into how drugs are produced, traded and used. We monitor developments across Europe − from laws and policies to criminal activity − so that countries and communities are better prepared to deal with emerging threats.

Within the unit, the Crime, markets and precursors sector focuses on drug markets, how they operate and the harms they cause. We track how criminal networks operate and how drug-related crime affects public safety. Our findings help guide policing, justice and security efforts.

The Policy and society sector looks at how drug laws and policies are created and applied − from international agreements to local city initiatives. We provide tools, training and expert analysis to support smarter, more effective policy decisions.

Partnerships and innovation unit (P&I)

The Partnerships and Innovation unit at the EUDA plays a vital role in building cooperation and advancing knowledge on drug-related issues across Europe and beyond. 

We coordinate Reitox, a network of national focal points in EU Member States, Norway, Türkiye, and at the European Commission. This includes managing EUDA grants, supporting national efforts to collect reliable data, and organising training and development activities in response to local needs.

Internationally, we work closely with global partners and organisations to monitor drug-related trends that may impact Europe. We share best practices, support joint research efforts and promote the inclusion of European data in international drug monitoring programmes.

We also lead the EUDA’s efforts in research, innovation and foresight, helping to identify future challenges and opportunities in the drugs field. This includes advising on research priorities, supporting EU research programmes, and exploring emerging technologies to enhance preparedness and response.

Finally, we engage with civil society organisations, recognising their important role in shaping effective, community-informed responses to drug-related issues.

Our mission is to strengthen collaboration, share expertise and ensure Europe remains informed and resilient in the face of evolving drug-related challenges.

Communication unit (COM)

The Communication unit plays a key role in making sure the public, professionals and policymakers are well-informed about drug-related issues in Europe.

Our goal is to support the EUDA’s vision of being “your European Union Drugs Agency” by sharing accurate, timely and trustworthy information in a clear and accessible way.

What we do:

  • Help Europe prepare for and respond to drug-related threats by raising awareness and promoting knowledge;

  • Position the EUDA as the leading source of information on drugs in the EU;

  • Increase the EUDA’s visibility, strengthen its reputation and connect with a wide range of audiences;

  • Make sure high-quality, evidence-based information is easy to access and understand;

  • Use a mix of communication channels − digital platforms, publications, events, media − to reach people effectively.

Our work is guided by an annual communication action plan, ensuring that all activities are aligned with EUDA’s strategy, mission and values. By engaging with the public and our partners, we help turn knowledge into action that can save lives.

Information and communication technology unit (ICT)

The ICT unit plays a key role in modernising and supporting the work of the EUDA. Our mission is to deliver innovative digital tools and services that strengthen both the scientific and administrative functions of the agency.

What we do:

  • Deliver smart digital solutions – We design and maintain next-generation digital tools, modernise our technical systems using cloud technologies, and ensure everything meets the highest standards for data protection and security.
  • Keep EUDA’s digital environment safe and efficient – We integrate advanced technologies to improve performance, streamline processes through smart architecture and constantly enhance cybersecurity measures.
  • Promote innovation and growth – We support the development of digital skills within the agency, work with external experts and introduce new technologies such as artificial intelligence to help the EUDA stay ahead of future challenges.

Through our work, we help the EUDA operate more efficiently, respond faster and make better-informed decisions in the evolving digital landscape.

Resources management and administrative services unit (ADM) 

The Resources management and administrative services unit (ADM) supports the smooth and efficient running of the EUDA. Our work includes managing the agency’s budget, finances, staff, buildings and logistics.

Our mission is to help the EUDA operate as a modern, efficient and service-focused public institution by:

  • providing expert legal, technical, and administrative advice to support the agency’s day-to-day work;

  • ensuring careful planning and responsible use of financial, human, and physical resources;

  • making sure EUDA complies with all relevant rules, regulations, and procedures.

By managing resources effectively and supporting good governance, we play a vital role in helping the agency achieve its goals.

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