Source: European Parliament
1. While the Commission recognises the growing concern among population and the sense of insecurity near schools and other community settings[1], the EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025[2] and its related Action Plan clarify that a comprehensive approach is needed. In particular, the EU drugs action plan encourages Member States to develop effective intervention programmes for young people in multiple settings, including schools, families and community and recreational settings, including comprehensive evidence-based strategies in neighbourhoods that experience high levels of drug availability and drug-related crime while creating a protective environment for communities affected by the consumption and sale of drugs or drug-related crime.
2. The EU Roadmap to fight against drug trafficking and organised crime[3] puts special emphasis on strengthening international cooperation to counter the borderless aspect of criminal networks operating in drug trafficking, which includes law enforcement and judicial cooperation. It further includes strengthened customs and law enforcement action in major logistical hubs, with the launch of an EU Ports Alliance.
3. The EU seeks to complement Member States’ actions in all aspects of drugs policy. As part of its new mandate, the EU Drugs Agency promotes evidence-based interventions to raise awareness on the adverse effects of drugs[4]. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control provides guidance to Member States on prevention and control of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, among people who inject drugs[5].
- [1] Flash Eurobarometer 552, Impact of drugs on local communities.
- [2] EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025, OJ C 102I, 24.3.2021, p. 1.
- [3] COM(2023) 641 final.
- [4] Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2023 on the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006, OJ L 166, 30.6.2023, Art.16.
- [5] https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/prevention-and-control-infectious-diseases-among-people-who-inject-drugs-2023, https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/guidance-brief-prevention-and-control-infectious-diseases-among-people-who-inject