EU Drugs Action Plan for 2009-2012
On 18 September 2008, the Commission adopted an "EU Drugs Action Plan" for the period 2009-2012. The action plan proposes a series of wide-ranging measures to strengthen European cooperation in tackling issues linked to drug use.
The Action Plan will build on the existing framework set out in the EU Drugs Strategy 2005-2012. The five main priorities of the Action Plan aim to reduce the demand for drugs, raise public awareness, mobilise European citizens, reduce the supply of drugs, improve international cooperation, and facilitate a better understanding of the drugs phenomenon.
The measures taken also include the setting up of a European Alliance on Drugs. The Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, Jacques Barrot, said that, with up to two million ’problem drug users’ in Europe, it was "high time to raise awareness of vulnerable groups, especially youth, on the risks of drug taking." The Commission will call on government bodies, public services and voluntary organisations to work in partnership with the European Alliance.
Proposed actions for the European Alliance include measures to improve the quality, availability and coverage of treatment and harm reduction programmes for drug users. The establishment of intelligence-led police units and customs operations to counter large-scale organised crime groups was also provided for in the Action Plan.
Although figures suggest that the use of heroin, cannabis and synthetic drugs is stabilising or declining, cocaine use is on the rise in many Member States. In addition, the total number of people in the EU who use- or have used- drugs is still estimated at over 70 million for cannabis, 12 million for cocaine, 11 million for amphetamines, and 9.5 million for ecstasy.
Member States are increasingly working closely, and national drugs initiatives are converging. In recent years, the EU has seen its influence increase by operating as one body. It is hoped that the European Alliance will mobilise European citizens to play an active part in the fight against drugs.
The EU Drugs Action Plan has been presented to the Council and is expected to be adopted before the end of the year.
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