This content was published in the EU4MD update released on 30.09.2021. This update also presents a section on partnerships, announcements, studies, upcoming events, and a research corner.
Focus on: Methamphetamine from Afghanistan
Europe should be better prepared for the prospect of methamphetamine coming from Afghanistan, according to a new EMCDDA report published on 29 September. Methamphetamine from Afghanistan: ‘signals indicate that Europe should be better prepared’ ’examines the recent emergence of methamphetamine production in the country and identifies actions that may be taken in Europe to mitigate the risks. The publication is the result of research conducted under the agency’s EU4MD and IPA7 projects, both funded by the European Commission.
Spotlight on project experts
For our first expert, we have selected Dr Viktor Mravčík, the head of the Czech National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction at the Office of the Government. The Czech National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction is a member of the Reitox network – a network of the national focal points in 27 EU Member States, Norway and Turkey, and the main source of drug-related information for the EMCDDA.
What is your involvement in the EU4MD project?
I have been involved in training and coaching treatment monitoring experts from European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries to carry out treatment facility surveys using the European Facility Survey Questionnaire (EFSQ). The partner countries are currently finalising their country reports and I will work with those to prepare a multi-country analysis of treatment systems and capacities. I hope that this final analysis will become available in 2022.
Why did you find it important to get involved in technical cooperation projects like EU4MD?
Technical cooperation is very important. The experts from ENP countries get the chance to become familiar with the European standards and methodologies for monitoring of drug phenomena.
I find it inspiring to be able to work with partners in the Neighbourhood and to see how my experience may contribute to their ability to better identify strengths and gaps in existing monitoring and drug treatment systems.
I particularly like that this collaboration enables networking. We can exchange our know-how and, in the end, it results in better quality data. I believe that everyone involved has been profiting from the experience so far.
