The various transnational authorities and organisations involved in drugs tend to take very different approaches in tackling drug-related problems, in areas such as drug prevention and treatment of drug abusers. Therefore, the conference aimed to discuss the importance of collaboration and cooperation between authorities and between nations.
Organised by the current EU Presidency of Finland, in cooperation with the EU Commission and the Council of Europe, the conference attracted representatives of EU countries, applicant countries, Norway, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
The conference led to the recognition that police and social and health authorities need to agree common working methods; such as exchanges of information, coordinated early intervention measures and prevention of infectious diseases related to intravenous drug abuse.
Furthermore, the conference resulted in agreement on the creation of a cooperation network of authorities, in essence a network of European cities, which the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group is expected to coordinate. The network will be used to exchange experiences gained in different countries in carrying out projects and aims to foster concrete cooperation so that joint steps can be taken towards a safer and more humane Europe.
The EU wants to intensify cooperation with Russia in tackling drugs. During the Finnish Presidency, cooperation on drugs will be started with Ukraine.
Further information is available on the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs Website.
EPHA Related Links -
2005 Report on the state of the drugs problem in Europe
EU Action Plan on Drugs (2005-2008)
EU Drugs Strategy (2005-2012)
