Drug Policy at the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe (COE) must not be confused with the European Union. COE encompasses 47 member countries from all Europe (including inter alia Russia and Turkey). The main purpose of the COE is to safeguard democratic principles and human rights.

COE has a number of areas of work that touch upon the drugs problem, in particular in relation to social policy, youth policy and civil society. COE has in addition one sub-group specialised to help member states develope effective drug policies, the Pompidou Group.

The Pompidou Group

Member States decide the work plan for the Pompidou Group on a four year basis at its Ministerial Conference. In between these meetings the work of the secretariat is overseen by a body of Permanent Correspondents from Member States. Its members are officials in relevant government ministries of COE Member States. They meet twice a year. A small bureau of Permanent Correspondents see to the day to day decisions of the Pompidou group.

The Council of Europe has a broad dialogue with civil society on all relevant issues. This dialogue is alled the Conference of International Non-governmental Organisations (INGO).

EURAD has participatory status at COE and takes part in several of the committees of the INGO. EURADs official representative at the INGO is Gigel Lazar from CIADO, Romania.

Policies and Activities 

The areas of activity of the Pompidou group cover prevention, treatment and criminal justice. It has groups working on coordination of research and in areas of customs and law enforcement.

Drug prevention remains a priority area in the work of the Pompidou Group. "Life-skills training, building resilience and credible drug policies are at the core of the programmes that actually show prevention effects. Mobilising new potential by involving young people and parents will bring about more targeted and effective prevention."

Treatment, rehabilitation and social aspects of drug use form another significant part of the Pompidou Group’s work.

Key Documents

Work Programme 2007-2010 is here.

Political Declaration of the Ministerial Conference in 2006 is here.