According to Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2023, all 29 national focal points of the European information network on drugs and drug addiction (REITOX) of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) should be certified by 3 July 2026.
The official representative for Bulgaria in REITOX is the National Focal Point on Drugs and Drug Addictions (NFP), now a unit in the Mental Health and Prevention of Addictions Directorate at the National Center of Public Health and Analyses (NCPHA).
In connection with the certification process, a EUDA mission arrived in Sofia on October 14 and 15, 2025, and visited the NCPHA. At the meetings held with the management of the National Center of Public Health and Analyses, the Director of the NCPHA and the team of the National Focal Point, the development of the unit within the NCPHA, the achievements and challenges that lie ahead in the implementation of the tasks set out in the new EUDA Regulation by Bulgaria, were discussed.
An essential element of the certification is the extent to which the NFP meets the set criteria required to be part of the European information network on drugs and drug addiction. After completing a self-assessment questionnaire by the NFP team to meet the criteria and holding discussions with EUDA representatives, a positive opinion was reached for the certification of the NFP. An action plan was prepared that reflects the achievements and challenges facing the unit, and activities were set that would support the future development of the NFP. In turn, EUDA representatives prepared a report with recommendations regarding the activities of the NFP.
The certification process was completed with the issuance of a certificate, signed by the head of REITOX, Maria Moreira, valid for a period of 5 years.
The certification of the NFP is a success for both the National Center of Public Health and Analyses and for Bulgaria, and recognition of the efforts that our country makes to collect and provide reliable information in the field of drugs and drug addictions, comparable to that at the European and global level.