EUDA deepens partnership with Moldova on drug-related challenges

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and the Republic of Moldova today signed a Working Arrangement to strengthen cooperation in responding to current and emerging drug-related challenges.

The arrangement was concluded in Chisinau by EUDA Executive Director, Dr Lorraine Nolan, Moldovan Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin and Minister of Health, Dr Alexandru Gasnaș. It provides a formal framework for collaboration in drug policy areas including drug monitoring, early warning, preparedness, health and social responses and legislation.

The agreement reflects the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing an increasingly complex drug phenomenon, characterised by rapidly evolving drug markets, the emergence of new psychoactive substances and the expansion of organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.

Under the new agreement, the partners will work together to strengthen Moldova's National Drug Observatory and support the establishment of an early-warning system on drugs. Cooperation will also include the exchange of expertise and information, joint analyses of emerging trends, technical support for aligning Moldova's national legislation and policies with EU standards and the organisation of study visits and expert missions.

By deepening technical cooperation and knowledge exchange, the arrangement will contribute to Moldova's efforts to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based response to drug-related issues while supporting closer alignment with EU approaches in the field. For the EUDA, this cooperation will enhance access to timely information from a key partner country, supporting stronger preparedness and more coordinated responses to emerging drug-related threats.

The Working Arrangement is in accordance with Article 53 of the EUDA's founding Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 and its International Cooperation Framework, through which the agency works with partners beyond the European Union to reinforce preparedness and responses to drug-related threats. It was adopted by the EUDA Management Board in June this year, following prior approval by the European Commission, and enters into effect upon signature.

Today's signing ceremony was held on the margins of the 15^th meeting of the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova, dedicated to the theme of 'Strengthening the prevention of, and fight against, drug trafficking, with a focus on synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances and cross-border operational cooperation.' The hub is an operational platform that supports cooperation on internal security and border management between the EU, its agencies, the Member States and the Moldovan authorities.