NCJ Number
164153
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 74-89
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article explains the differences in drug policies in European cities as reflected in the networks of European Cities Against Drugs (ECAD) and the European Cities on Drug Policy (ECDP).
Abstract
Frankfurt and Stockholm are the settings for the modern European tale of two cities. They have emerged as coordination points for two networks of European cities that are addressing the issue of drug policy. As political resources and policy instruments, the two networks have been officially and formally recognized in the Action Plan of the European Union for the Fight Against Drugs, 1995-1999. The ECDP was founded on November 22, 1990, the signature date of the Frankfurt Resolution. Out of the seven cities that participated in the Frankfurt conference, four signed the resolution that expressed the need for a more pragmatic and less prohibitionistic drug policy. The four cities were Amsterdam, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, and Zurich. Legalization, liberalization, and harm reduction are variants of the ideology of ECDP. In April 1994, Stockholm hosted the first Mayor's Conference. The conference was presented a resolution for signature that was signed by 21 major European cities. These cities constitute the network of the ECAD. The ECAD emphasizes repressive policies against all drug use and abuse. Prohibition, "zero tolerance," and the war on drugs are variants of their ideological stance. The challenge facing the European Union in the future will be finding a creative way to reinforce the interaction between the ECAD and the ECDP. Both networks have helped with different ideological styles and theories to uncover and order new facts. What has been lacking thus far is the integration of these facts into a coherent policy science theory that may further some consensus on the possibilities of an integrated European drug policy and the requisites for autonomous national reactions to drug problems of the member states of the European Union. 11 references