North Macedonia to create National Drugs Observatory and early-warning system
Health Ministry plans legal changes, a National Drugs Observatory and direct reporting ties to the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA).
The Ministry of Health has announced concrete steps to align North Macedonia's drug policy with European Union rules as part of the Reform Agenda 2024–2027, minister Sasho Klekovski said.
New early-warning infrastructure and legal changes
Klekovski said the ministry will set up a National Drugs Observatory and establish an early-warning system for psychoactive substances. The measures will require amendments to existing laws and a direct information link with the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA); the work has already started and "will be finalised during next year," he said.
"An expert working group has been formed that is revising and aligning the Law on Control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Preparations are underway to conclude an official working arrangement with the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA). In cooperation with a TAIEX expert mission, a new National Drugs Strategy modelled on the EU Strategy is being prepared. The goal is a National Observatory on Drugs, the establishment of an early warning system and reporting to EUDA," Klekovski said.
As part of the legal overhaul, the ministry plans to update the list of controlled psychoactive substances and will introduce a legal definition of "new" substances. "These are not only administrative obligations. A functional early warning system means detecting new dangerous substances in a timely manner and responding faster to protect citizens' health," the minister added.
The drug-policy items were discussed at a coordination meeting on the Reform Agenda convened today by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, during which health authorities detailed the next implementation steps.
Photo: Vlada
