Since 12 September 2017 Switzerland has been working more closely with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. The directors of the Federal Office of Public Health and of the European Monitoring Centre have signed a working arrangement to this effect.

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) compiles reliable and Europe-wide comparable information concerning drugs, drug addiction and their consequences. This data is then available to the EU and its member states as a basis for policymaking and initiatives on finding solutions to problems regarding drugs and drug abuse.

Switzerland participates on the basis of this working arrangement with the EMCDDA network. It thus benefits from direct access to this specialised European network, and Swiss researchers have facilitated access to European know-how and research projects. Such cross-border exchange is an important mechanism for better assessing emerging trends in the drugs situation. In particular, one area of mutual interest is Switzerland's participation in the EMCDDA's early warning system on new psychoactive substances. Increased exchange of information on drug use and on ways the penal system deals with offenders is also of interest. 

This working arrangement is not legally binding, and Switzerland is therefore not formally a member of the EMCDDA. However, it gives Swiss experts the opportunity to participate in the EMCDDA's thematic working groups.

Chronology

 2017

• Signing of a non-legally binding working arrangement on cooperation between authorities at the technical level. (12.09.2017)