The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) today launched the new EUDA Health and Security Threat Assessment System (ETAS), designed to strengthen Europe’s preparedness for serious and emerging drug-related threats and to support coordinated responses. Foreseen under the EUDA regulation, the service was unveiled at the meeting of the Heads of Reitox national focal points (NFPs), taking place this week in Lisbon, bringing together representatives from across Europe.
ETAS will help EU Member States identify, assess and respond to drug-related health and security threats linked to drug markets, illicit substances and changing patterns of use. The system provides structured, evidence-based assessments to support timely decisions on mitigation, early preparedness and strategic responses at national and EU level.
As a core component of the EUDA’s wider preparedness framework, ETAS operates in close coordination with the European Drug Alert System (EDAS), the EU Early Warning System on new psychoactive substances and the Network of forensic and toxicological laboratories. Together, these services combine early warning, rapid alerts and in-depth assessments, reinforcing Europe’s capacity to detect and respond to fast-evolving drug-related risks.
Threat assessments can be triggered by requests from an EU Member State or the European Commission or when signals from the EUDA’s monitoring, alert and early warning systems indicate that a coordinated response may be needed. Member State requests are submitted via the EUDA Management Board member or through the national focal point. The NFPs act as key contact points for ETAS and contribute throughout the assessment process.
Drawing on data from health, law enforcement and laboratory sources, as well as expert input from national authorities, ETAS delivers practical options for action, tailored to different threats.
The first assessments under the new system are focusing on highly potent synthetic opioids and the availability and harms of crack cocaine in the EU. These are being carried out in close cooperation with the countries concerned. A pilot threat assessment, published in June 2025, examined the evolving presence and impact of highly potent synthetic opioids (particularly ‘nitazenes’ and carfentanil) in the Baltic States.
These early cases illustrate how the new system will support Member States and EU institutions in turning evidence into concrete measures on the ground, contributing to a safer and more resilient Europe.
EUDA and national focal points discuss new partnership framework
A central issue at this week’s meeting is the ‘Reitox Alliance’, a new partnership framework between the EUDA and the NFPs. Building on decades of shared experience, the alliance aims to strengthen cooperation, enhance preparedness and ensure a coordinated European response to emerging drug-related challenges.
The new operating framework, set for adoption by the Management Board next month, will replace the previous Reitox operating framework, functioning since 2003. The alliance aligns the network’s activities with the EUDA’s updated mandate and promotes mutual support, capacity building and innovation among Member States.
The meeting will also focus on policy and institutional updates, scientific projects, national reporting, communication activities and planning for 2026. Topics include cannabis policy, prisons and international cooperation.
This is the last Reitox meeting under the current Executive Director, Alexis Goosdeel whose mandate ends on 31 December this year. Speaking at the event, Mr Goosdeel said: ‘The new Reitox Alliance will mark a significant step forward in how we work together as a European network, and will give us a stronger, more coordinated platform for tackling the complex drug challenges we face. ETAS is just one example of how this renewed partnership can translate shared expertise into concrete, operational services that help Member States anticipate threats and act quickly. As I conclude my mandate, I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident that this enhanced cooperation will support Europe’s preparedness for years to come.’
