EU Drug Agency: Franz Pietsch once again at the forefront of the fight against drugs!

EU Drug Agency: Franz Pietsch once again at the forefront of the fight against drugs!

A new milestone in the fight against drug abuse and crime: On December 5, 2024, Franz Pietsch was re-elected as chairman of the EU drug agency EUDA for the term of office 2025 to 2028. Pietsch, who is head of the human medicine law group in the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, is committed to close cooperation between EU states in order to efficiently overcome drug-related challenges. “The fight against drug abuse can only be successful if the EU states work closely together,” explained Pietsch. The EUDA, which began its work on July 1, 2024, replaces the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction and has significantly expanded its tasks, including the establishment of a network of forensic and toxicology laboratories to improve the exchange of information on new substances, as on OTS.at is reported.

Expanded EUDA competencies

The new EU agency will be able to respond more quickly and effectively to new drug-related threats. Burkhard Blienert, the Federal Commissioner for Addiction and Drugs, welcomes the comprehensive expansion of tasks, which will strengthen an effective and data-supported drug policy. "Drugs endanger the safety and health of millions of people worldwide. It is crucial that we are better networked in the international fight against drug crime," said Blienert. The expanded tasks include monitoring and combating mixed drug use as well as developing warning messages when particularly dangerous substances come onto the market, as the website of the Federal Drug Commissioner ( federaldrug commissioner.de ) highlights.

The EUDA will strengthen not only national but also international cooperation and expand exchanges with organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This is a crucial step in meeting the challenges in the drug market globally. In addition to improving research and data sharing, the agency will also help national bodies optimize their strategies to combat drug abuse.