Collection and dissemination of information and data
Article 6
1. The Agency shall: (a) collect relevant information and data, including information and data which have been communicated by the national focal points, which result from research, which are available from open sources, and which emanate from Union sources, non-governmental sources and competent international organisations and bodies; (b) collect information and data needed in order to monitor poly-substance use and its consequences pursuant to Article 7(1), point (d); (c) collect the information and data available from national focal points, in cooperation with Europol, on new psychoactive substances and communicate that information without undue delay to the national focal points, the Europol national units and the Commission; (d) collect and analyse information and data on drug precursors and on the diversion and trafficking of drug precursors; (e) conduct and commission research and monitoring studies, surveys, feasibility studies and pilot projects necessary to accomplish its tasks; (f) ensure improved comparability, objectivity and reliability of information and data at Union level by establishing, in cooperation with the national focal points, indicators and non-binding common standards with a view to ensuring greater uniformity of the measurement methods used by the Member States and the Union; the Agency may recommend compliance with such non-binding common standards; (g) cooperate closely with relevant Union bodies, offices and agencies and international organisations and bodies, in particular the UNODC and the INCB, in order to facilitate notifications and avoid unnecessary burdens on Member States. 2. The Agency shall collect relevant national data through the national focal points. Prior to collecting the data, the Agency and the national focal points shall discuss and agree on the national reporting package. The Agency may use additional sources of information for national data. Where the Agency uses such additional sources, it shall keep the national focal point concerned duly informed. The data collected shall, where possible, be disaggregated by sex and, where possible, by gender. Such data shall take into account the gender-sensitive aspects of drugs policy. 3. The Agency shall develop, within its mandate, data collection methods and approaches, including through projects with external partners. 4. The Agency shall develop the necessary digital solutions for the purpose of collecting, validating, analysing, reporting, managing and exchanging information and data, including in an automated manner. 5. The Agency shall disseminate information and data by: (a) making the information it produces available to the Union, the Member States and other interested parties, including as regards new developments and changing trends; (b) ensuring wide dissemination of its analyses, conclusions and reports, including to the scientific community, civil society organisations and affected communities, including people who use drugs, with the exception of classified and sensitive non-classified information as referred to in Article 49; (c) publishing, on the basis of data which it collects, a regular report on the state of the drugs phenomenon and emerging trends; (d) setting up and making available open scientific documentation resources; (e) providing information on quality standards, evidence-based best practices, innovative approaches and implementable research results in the Member States and facilitating the exchange of information on, and the implementation of, such standards and practices. 6. Where relevant, the Agency may disseminate information and data which have been disaggregated, in particular by Member State, sex, gender, age, disability and socio-economic status, in accordance with relevant Union law, in particular on data protection. 7. When disseminating information and data under paragraph 5, the Agency shall include references to the sources thereof. 8. The Agency shall not disseminate or transmit any information and data from which it is possible to identify individuals or small groups of individuals.