The Management Board of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), met last week in Lisbon, Portugal at its fourth session. The Council of Europe International Co-operation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group), represented by its Deputy Executive Secretary, participated in the meeting as Observer.

The meeting brought together key institutional partners to discuss the strategic direction, governance and ongoing priorities of the Agency in the field of drug policy and drug-related responses across Europe as well as to shape priorities and partnerships for 2026 and beyond.

The participation of the Pompidou Group underlined the importance of continued co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Union in addressing drug-related challenges and promoting evidence-based policies respectful of human rights. In this context, discussions were also initiated on the prospects for new co-operation and enhanced modalities for working together with a view to formalising these through a future working arrangement between the Pompidou Group and the EUDA.  This strengthened framework would represent an upgraded form of co-operation. 

This meeting marked a key transition, serving as the last Management Board session chaired by outgoing EUDA Executive Director Alexis Goosdeel, whose term ends on 31 December 2025. Dr Lorraine Nolan will become Executive Director on 1 January 2026.

As the EUDA’s principal governing body, the Management Board brings together representatives from all EU Member States, alongside delegates from the European Commission and the European Parliament. It plays a central role in setting the Agency’s overall orientation, overseeing its work programme and ensuring effective coordination at European level.