Skopje, 20 September 2023 (MIA) - Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski alongside Public Security Bureau director Sasho Tasevski held a working meeting on Wednesday with a delegation of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) led by Frédéric Denecker, IPA project coordinator.

EMCDDA has been cooperating with the institutions of EU candidate countries and potential candidate countries since 2008 by developing and implementing technical cooperation projects funded by the IPA programme, such as the current IPA Regional Technical Cooperation Project with the Western Balkan countries, the Ministry of Interior said in a press release. 

"The ultimate goal of the projects is to bring users closer to EU policies and work methods, as well as make preparation for participation in EMCDDA work. In that direction, Minister Spasovski pointed out that the fight against illegal drug trafficking is one of the top priorities of the Ministry and that cooperation with the Center is of crucial importance for the Ministry of Interior," reads the press release.  

Participants in the meeting outlined the goals of the collaboration, which focuses on collecting and analyzing data on drug-related issues, providing valuable insights into drug trends, patterns of use, and their social and health consequences. Cooperation with EMCDDA helps to harmonize drug policies and strategies across European countries, as well as establish an early warning system to detect new drug threats and trends.

"Overall, cooperation with EMCDDA is vital for informed policy-making, coordinated response to drug challenges and protection of public health and safety in Europe, regarding which both sides agreed that cooperation will continue and intensify in the future," the press release reads. 

Photo: MoI