NCJ Number
182390
Date Published
1999
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Many Western European countries recognize drug-related problems have multiple causes and require multi-disciplinary responses built into properly resourced, planned, and coordinated drug policies.
Abstract
The creation of the European Community in 1957 provided the impetus and framework for developing and implementing European drug policies through a number of groups and institutions. The European Community was strengthened through the Single European Act (1986) and the Treaty of European Union (1993). In an effort to obtain the right balance between European Union members and national action on issues such as drugs, the Maastricht Treaty provides a framework for governments to work together in key areas. Drug issues are the focus of several specialist working groups under the treaty, including the Drugs and Organised Crime Working Group that involves agencies and representatives from all member states and reports to the European Council. Two specific drug-related institutions have been established, the European Monitoring Centre (EMCDDA) and the European Police Office (EUROPOL). Supporting the work of EMCDDA is a network of 15 national focal points set up across Europe. EUROPOL aims to facilitate the exchange of information between member states on criminal offenses and disseminate good practices in investigative procedures. A feature of European Union policy development is the influence of pan-European consultation. Specific groups and networks that operate independently in Europe to deal with the drug problem are identified, and future developments in drug reduction and drug prevention in Europe are noted. Contact information is provided for 11 drug-related institutions and groups.