The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and the Slovenian national focal point (NFP) joined forces this week in co-hosting a study visit in Ljubljana for EU enlargement partners. The visit, ending today, focused on exchanging expertise and best practice in the development and management of early-warning systems (EWS) on new psychoactive substances (NPS).
The visit showcased Slovenia’s experience in running an effective national EWS. It also demonstrated the EUDA’s commitment to international knowledge exchange and capacity building in the field of drug monitoring and response.
The success of the EU Early Warning System on NPS has been recognised around the globe, and the EUDA continues to share related expertise through its international cooperation initiatives. A functioning EWS is a key requirement for countries on the path to EU membership, reflecting the importance placed on proactive drug monitoring and public health protection.
Over three days, the participants:
- exchanged best practices and discussed the challenges encountered in creating and managing national EWS, with a special emphasis on the Slovenian model;
- engaged with a range of stakeholders involved in the Slovenian EWS, fostering connections and collaborative learning;
- gained practical insights into the essential operations and infrastructure of effective EWS frameworks.
Delegates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine took part in the visit, thanks to the EU-funded technical cooperation projects, implemented by the EUDA (EUDA-IPA8 and EU4MD II). The event was also attended by a representative from the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine.
Through activities of this kind, the EUDA and its partners share expertise, strengthen networks and build capacity in preparedness on drugs. This is aligned with the new International Cooperation Framework (ICF), that defines the agency’s vision and priorities for enhancing global collaboration on drug-related challenges.
