The Republic of Moldova is strengthening its capacity to prevent and address drug-related challenges through closer cooperation with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
Today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the EUDA signed a Working Arrangement marking a new stage in their cooperation and bringing Moldova’s national system closer to European standards and mechanisms in this field.
The new framework will enable Moldova to benefit from timely access to European information on emerging drug trends, new psychoactive substances, changes in trafficking routes, and evolving risks. It will also support the development of more effective prevention measures and public warning mechanisms.
A key objective of the cooperation is to strengthen the National Drug Observatory and support the establishment of a National Early Warning System. These mechanisms will facilitate the early identification of dangerous new substances and emerging trends, enabling national authorities to respond swiftly and effectively before such risks become more widespread.
Cooperation with the EUDA will also cover a broad range of priority areas, including the illicit production and trafficking of drugs and new psychoactive substances, drug use prevention, harm reduction, the control of drug precursors, strengthening institutional response capacities, and the development of relevant policies and legislation.
Faster access to information on emerging drug threats
The Working Arrangement establishes a framework for faster and more structured exchanges of data, expertise, and information between Moldova and the EUDA, particularly regarding emerging developments in the drug market and new psychoactive substances.
Moldovan specialists will benefit from European expertise in data collection and analysis, drug-related research, and risk assessment. The framework also provides opportunities for study visits, expert missions, and the joint development of analyses in priority areas.
This cooperation will further support the alignment of Moldovan legislation and policies with European Union standards and practices. It represents an important contribution to the country’s European integration process and to the commitments undertaken under Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security.
From combating trafficking to protecting young people
The new partnership extends beyond law enforcement cooperation. Prevention of drug use, harm reduction, treatment, and social reintegration are also key areas in which Moldova and the EUDA will work together.
Particular attention will be given to prevention and the early identification of emerging risks at a time when the drug market is evolving rapidly. The growing availability of synthetic substances and the expansion of online environments are creating new vulnerabilities, particularly for children and young people.
For Moldova, the objective is to build a modern and integrated system in which prevention, public health, and law enforcement work hand in hand, with policies and interventions guided by reliable data and evidence.
Moldova connected to the European response to drug – related challenges
The signing of the Working Arrangement builds on the cooperation developed in recent years between Moldova and the EUDA and provides a stronger framework for more structured, effective, and results-oriented collaboration.
Through this partnership, Moldova aims to strengthen its ability to detect new drugs and emerging threats more quickly, better understand developments in the illicit drug market, prevent drug use, and more effectively combat the criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of illicit substances.
The signing comes at a time when Moldova is at the centre of the European dialogue on combating drug trafficking. Also today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is hosting the 15th European Union Security Hub Meeting, bringing together representatives of the European Commission, European agencies, EU Member States, and Moldovan institutions.
The central focus of the meeting is strengthening the joint response to drug trafficking and organised crime networks, against a backdrop of rapidly evolving threats, including new substances, emerging trafficking routes, and increasingly sophisticated methods of distribution.
Moldova’s message is clear: criminal networks operate across borders, and the response must be built together on prevention, timely intelligence and information-sharing, modern capabilities, and strong European cooperation.
