Following a drop in the EU subsidy to the EMCDDA this year of some 5%, 2014 promises to be a particularly challenging year for the agency. The 2014 activities are therefore framed within the context of the realities we face today, which include a stable/diminishing reporting capacity at Member State level and reduced resources at our disposal. The 2014 budget is set at EUR 15.2 (down from 16.1 million in 2013).
The agency’s scientific work programme concentrates this year on providing high-quality analyses of the European drug situation, through better exploitation of the analytical potential of data resources now held by the agency and maximising the value of its expert networks. In the area of responses, work will focus on implementing the new treatment data collection and analysis strategy and on providing better estimates of treatment coverage within the different national systems. Additionally, priority will be given to improving the quality of data in the area of supply reduction.
The management of the EU early-warning system on new drugs will also be a key task. The rapid increase in the number of new psychoactive substances and the upcoming implementation of a new legal instrument will have a major impact on the work of the agency in 2014.
A top priority in 2014 will be the development of the EMCDDA’s web presence in the context of a new integrated and thematic strategic approach. Following the successful concept launched in 2013, the European Drug Report package will continue to develop, with delivery on the web being a central theme. The kick-off of a new technical assistance project aimed at enhancing drug monitoring capacity in European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries will be another exciting development in the course of the year.
Reflecting the agency’s strong commitment to developing a performance measurement system, well-defined performance indicators are presented in the document.
