Council conclusions on networking information on emerging trends and patterns in drug abuse and poly-drug use and the associated risks Official Journal C 017 , 19/01/2001 P. 0002 - 0002 Council conclusions on networking information on emerging trends and patterns in drug abuse and poly-drug use and the associated risks (2001/C 17/02) The Council of the European Union adopts the following guidelines on the networking of information on emerging trends and patterns in drug abuse and poly-drug use and the associated risks: (1) Under the European Union Drugs Strategy 2000-2004 and the action plan adopted for its implementation, it is desirable to organise a system that will alert more quickly to emerging trends and patterns in drug abuse and poly-drug use and the associated risks.
(2) Accordingly, in view of the existing information systems in each Member State and at European level, it is not necessary nor desirable to create new structures, new networks or new financial obligations for the Member States. (3) As far as possible, use should be made of the Reitox network set up by Council Regulation (EEC) No 302/93 of 8 February 1993 on the establishment of a European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). (4) The activities of the Reitox network could be developed in two directions: - observation of emerging trends and patterns in drug abuse and poly-drug use and the associated risks, - rapid release of this information to public authorities, professionals and prevention associations so that they can implement suitable prevention measures as swiftly as possible.
(5) This guideline would require the national focal points of the Reitox network to be able to use the data produced by the other bodies or networks concerned (national agency responsible for the evaluation of medicinal products, public health institutes and networks of health professionals, prevention associations, hospital laboratories or forensic science institutes, etc.). (6) Under their respective mandates, the EMCDDA and the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) are encouraged to jointly define a framework of ongoing cooperation, in compliance with their powers, to exchange useful information at European level on the potential of abuse and risks associated with the use and/or polyuse of psychoactive drugs.
In compliance with its terms of reference, Europol should be involved in providing information on emerging trends in drug-trafficking. (7) Interested Member States and relevant national and European agencies (EMCDDA, EMEA, etc.) are encouraged to participate in a pilot project financed by the Community budget aiming at the exchange of information on emerging trends and new patterns of drug abuse and poly-drug use. Over a period of 18 months this pilot project should also define the conditions, financial as well as relating to the scope of the substances to be covered, necessary for the exchange of such information among a larger number of countries.
(8) The Commission and the Member States are asked to look into ways and means of achieving these aims.