The REITOX network EMCDDAs National Focal Points and

The REITOX network EMCDDA’s National Focal Points and their challenges for the future Alan Lodwick, Viktor Mravcik, Tim Pfeiffer-Gerschel

The REITOX Network Réseau Européen d’Information sur les Drogues et les Toxicomanies n The European Information Network on Drugs and Drug Addiction n 1993 EMCDDA Regulation: referred to REITOX as a “computer network” linking specialised centres n 2006 EMCDDA Regulation: a network of Focal Points with well defined responsibilities n Since many years: Focal Points are the “interface” between participating countries and the Centre

National Focal Point Responsibilities (as set out in the 2006 Regulation) n Contribute to the establishment of key indicators and data including guidelines n Co-operate with experts and organisations active in the drugs field n Bring together experience from different sectors n Collect and analyse all relevant information in an objective manner at national level n Include information on policies and solutions applied n Provide data for the 5 Epidemiological Indicators

The Reitox Network today n 30 National Focal Points, an EC Focal Point and Co-ordination at EMCDDA n About 130 full-time equivalent staff in NFPs n Diverse national arrangements for NFPs reflecting differing national contexts n n n size government and administrative structures existing information systems & research tradition culture, history and nature of drugs problem national demands for information n A “network of networks” n Co-operation and support between NFPs

National Focal Point Key Relationships EMCDDA (and EU) 5 KIs, Information on Policies and Interventions, EU Action Plan National Government - Policies and interventions - Administration and funding National Focal Points Parent institution Sub-national Administrations National Scientific Community -National experts -Academic institutions Specialist Agencies e. g. public health, statistics Devolved responsibilities Local Agencies

National Focal Point Tasks n Delivering an Annual Reporting Package: n Standard Tables n Structured Questionnaires n Annual Report n Promoting the implementation of the 5 Key Epidemiological Indicators n EDDRA / “Best Practice” project n Early Warning System on New Psychoactive Substances n Dissemination of EMCDDA Outputs n “Ad hoc” duties (proof-reading, working groups…) n Within a formal annual agreement and a clear quality framework

Reitox Achievements n Delivering the Annual Reporting Package n Working in partnership with EMCDDA to set out agreed work programmes, reporting structures & instruments and quality standards n Providing added value at national level n Central to monitoring of the EU Action Plan “… A key role in helping the EMCDDA to fulfil its mission, both in collecting information on the drugs situation in Europe and in helping to disseminate the EMCDDA’s scientific outputs” external evaluation of the EMCDDA - December 2007

Reitox Challenges n Maintaining support and co-operation at national level n Encouraging collection of standardised data while recognising national needs and differences n Adapting to changing requirements and new phenomena within limited resources n Improving and rationalising outputs published n Improving and demonstrating the quality of information provided n Reitox enlargement and international cooperation

Summary of Cooperation within Reitox n A lot of work and duties (methodological/scientific and technical/administrative) n Mostly beneficial and appreciated n Allowing common and concentrated actions towards new phenomena and challenges n Increasing common understanding of the drug phenomenon (e. g. convergence of terminology) n Very often interesting and inspiring (new methods, tools, approaches, projects) n Based on formal framework but realised in a way of informal interpersonal relations and communication 9

Reitox Lessons Learnt n True Partnership is the key n System must have the means to evolve in a controlled way n Need for agreed guidelines and standards with incentives to comply n But system needs to allow flexibility about the way that objectives are achieved n Recognise the need for networks within the network n Must serve European but also national needs and give added value to both levels

Reitox’ link to EMCDDA’s SC „…This Committee advises and assists the Management Board and the Director…“*) n No structural link nor systematic exchange n Primarily: Resource for EMCDDA „…The Scientific Committee is requested […] to give a formal opinion on the three-year/annual work programmes…“*) n But: SC recommendations may have an impact on NFP n Advisors for national reporting? n Resource for NFP on request? *) http: //www. emcdda. europa. eu/html. cfm/index 6819 EN. html

Thank you very much! nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn alan. lodwick@dh. gsi. gov. uk mravcik. viktor@vlada. cz pfeiffer—gerschel@ift. de www. emcdda. europa. eu/about/partners/reitox-network www. ukfocalpoint. org www. drogy-info. cz (www. focalpoint. cz) www. dbdd. de