This is the first edition of the European Monitoring Centre's bi-monthly newsletter which introduces a series that I hope will be both long-lasting and valuable. DrugNet Europe is designed to become a platform of information and communication, not only for the Monitoring Centre, but also for the 16 Focal Points of the European Union Member States and Commission, the scientific community, political decision-makers, professionals, the general public and, last but not least, our six associated international organisations. With this in mind, it will welcome regular contributions from these partners and offer a forum for their concerns. In this issue we are pleased to include a piece from the National Focal Point of Ireland, the country currently holding the presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union.