Europe’s ability to rapidly respond to public health and social threats caused by new psychoactive substances (NPS) was significantly strengthened last year thanks to new legislation applicable across Europe. This legislation strengthened the EU Early Warning System (EWS) and risk assessment procedures on NPS and shortened control processes. This month, the EMCDDA has published new operating guidelines for the EWS, addressing measures introduced by the new legislation. The guidelines, which replace those published in 2007, detail the rationale, steps, procedures, roles and responsibilities for operating the system.
These guidelines provide the rationale, steps, procedures, roles, and responsibilities for the operation of the EU Early Warning System. They reflect the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006 (as amended) and Council Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA (as amended) with respect to information exchange and the early warning system, as well as for the initial report, risk assessment, and control measures.