During its meeting in Lisbon today, the EMCDDA Management Board decided unanimously to renew the mandate of Wolfgang Götz as Director of the EU drugs agency for a further term of five years starting 1 May 2010. Fifty-seven-year-old Mr Götz was elected EMCDDA Director in spring 2005 and will now hold the Director’s position until April 2015.
The Chairman of the Board, Mr Marcel Reimen, welcomed the re-appointment of Mr Götz stating: ‘He has shown full commitment to the endeavour he embarked upon in 2005, in particular enhancing the scientific quality and efficiency of the agency’s work’.
During his first mandate, Mr Götz has paid special attention to providing policymakers with evidence-based information for a more informed and reasoned debate on the drugs problem. Under his guidance, the agency has forged stronger relations with the EU institutions and international bodies, and other world regions have shown increased interest in the EU drugs information model and in cooperating with the EMCDDA.
Commenting on his renewal, Mr Götz said: ‘My re-appointment coincides with two major EMCDDA events. Firstly, we are about to launch into a new ambitious EMCDDA three-year work programme for 2010–2012. Secondly, we are about to move from our current two buildings to our new common premises at Cais do Sodré. The re-appointment gives me renewed energy to pursue the goals and activities set out in the new work programme and to engage further in my long-term commitment to strengthening the scientific performance of the EMCDDA.’
