A Working Group tasked with developing the Republic of Moldova’s National Strategy on Drugs and Addictions 2026–2032 held its first meeting on 19 December 2025, organised by the Ministry of Health in co-operation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova and with technical support from the Council of Europe.

Following a needs assessment this newly established Working Group held its first meeting in launching the Strategy’s drafting process, bringing together key stake holders and human rights institutions, civil society, academia, international organisations and experts.

The Moldovan Minister of Health, Emil Ceban, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, highlighted that the new National Strategy will boost prevention, early warning, and access to treatment for drug-related issues, with a strong focus on public health. They underscored the importance of protecting minors and fostering collaboration among health, social, and law enforcement sectors to tackle drug risks and organized crime. The Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment of the Council of Europe, Rafael Benitez, confirmed continued expert support for the Republic of Moldova in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and supply reduction efforts.

The future Strategy will be the Republic of Moldova’s first comprehensive national policy on drugs and addictions, guiding six years of reform, action and alignment with EU standards and accession commitments. Supported by the Council of Europe/Pompidou Group project (2025–2026), the Strategy benefits from international and national expertise, focusing on evidence-based, human rights-compliant responses, needs assessment, stakeholder engagement and inclusive consultations.

The Pompidou Group is the Council of Europe’s platform for international co-operation on drug and addiction policies. The Republic of Moldova has been a member of the Pompidou Group since 2012.