Adoption of the EU Drug Strategy 2013-2020

On 12 December 2012, the European Council of Heads of State adopted its new EU Drug strategy 2013-2020. Besides work on reducing drug demand and supply, the strategy highlights the need for investments and research on “harm reduction measures aimed at substantially reducing the number of […] infectious blood-borne diseases [such as] HIV and viral hepatitis as well as sexually transmittable diseases and tuberculosis”.

In its strategy, the EU foresees to support third countries in their efforts by, for example, ensuring policy dialogues with international partners, promoting and protecting human rights and providing funding and expertise.

The participation of NGO’s, young people, drug users and the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs in the development of drug policies is a priority in terms of coordination.

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