Global approach to drugs developed at European Union level

Drug abuse and the trade in illicit drugs are world-wide phenomena that are threatening health and the social stability. It leads to death, disease, crime and corruption. The EU has up to 2 million problem drug users. The use of drugs, particularly among young people is at historically high levels. The incidence of HIV/AIDS among drug users is causing increasing concern in many Member States.

This introductory page of the Section related to the EU Drugs Cooperation policy gives a general presentation in two parts. Part I covers the latest developments which occurred within the recent years. Part II gives a general view of the accomplishments and the acquis at European level of the matter concerned.

I) Latest developments

In December 2004, the European Council endorsed the EU Drugs Strategy (2005-2012) [180 KB] which sets the framework, objectives and priorities for two consecutive four-year Action Plans to be brought forward by the European Commission.

In February 2005, only two months later, the European Commission presented in a Communication an EU Drugs Action Plan (2005-2008) [200 KB]. The Action Plan was then adopted by Council in June 2005.

Under the Financial Framework 2007-2013 and the General Programme for Civil Justice and Fundamental Rights, the Commission has proposed a "Drugs Prevention and Information Programme" [407 KB] which will provide € 21.35 million funding for transnational projects which aim to prevent and reduce drug use, dependence and drug related harms over the period 2007-2013.

On 25 September 2007, the European Parliament and Council adopted Decision No 1150/2007/EC establishing for the period 2007-2013 the specific programme "Drug Prevention and Information Programme" as part of the general programme ‘Fundamental Rights and Justice’.

On 18 September 2008, the European Commission adopted a Communication on an EU Drugs Action Plan for 2009-2012 [82 KB]. The proposed Plan will be submitted to the Council for endorsement. The Final Evaluation of the previous EU Drugs Action Plan (2005-2008) [704 KB] and the impact assessment for the new Action Plan [266KB] were adopted as Annexes to the Communication.

II) General context

In order to tackle this serious and complex issue, which has a significant impact on our societies, the EU has in recent years developed a European approach.

This approach is comprehensive and multidisciplinary, focusing simultaneously on demand reduction, supply reduction, the fight against trafficking, and international action. It combines action at a number of levels:

• within the framework of European Community competence (public health, precursor control, money laundering, development aid);
• close cooperation between Member States (foreign policy, justice and home affairs);
• partnerships with international organisations.

The European model is reflected in the EU Drugs Strategy, which covers a period of eight years (2005-2012). This Strategy has been translated into more than 80 actions in the EU Drugs Action Plan (2005-2008).

2008 is an important target date as it coincides both with the end of the new Action Plan and the re-assessment of the decisions taken at the Special Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on drugs (UNGASS) in June 1998. 2008 will therefore be a crucial year for reviewing the impact of the world’s drugs policy since 1998. The European Commission intends to fully play its role in the preparation of an EU position in this international debate.