The cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of Georgia and the European Union Agency "European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction" (EMCDDA) actively continues in order to improve the evidence-based drug policy and strengthen monitoring of the drug situation.

The mentioned sectoral cooperation derives from the Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union and is an important part of the process of Georgia's integration into the European Union.

The implementation of the first bilateral project (EMCDDA4GE), which took place exclusively between Georgia and EMCDDA, was a positive continuation of the successful and intensive cooperation of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia with the European Agency. Among the third world countries, Georgia is the only state, which has experience of this kind of cooperation with the European Agency.

It should be noted that in order to strengthen sectoral cooperation with EU agencies and strengthen the process of Georgia's integration into the European Union, a working agreement was signed between the Ministry of Justice and the EMCDDA in September 2022, which aims to improve the existing drug policy and monitoring mechanisms in the country and inform decision-makers with evidence.

Deputy Minister of Justice, Beka Dzamashvili opened the closing event of the project and thanked both the EU delegation to Georgia, the EMCDDA and the project team for the assistance and fruitful cooperation. Representatives of the thematic agencies and civil sector attended the event.

The implementation of a balanced drug policy based on the protection of human rights and research and analysis was and remains a priority of the Georgian government. The Ministry of Justice will continue active cooperation with the EMCDDA in this regard.