The Bureau of Permanent Correspondents of the Pompidou Group held its first meeting for 2026 in Paris (3 February 2026). The newly composed ten-member Bureau began the 2026–2029 work cycle, as Chaired by Dr. Franz Pietsch (Austrian Presidency). The meeting welcomed its members and set the tone for a proactive and unified mandate aimed at addressing a new work programme ahead for the next four years.

Agenda items included the adoption of the Terms of Reference in the framework of the 2026-2029 Work Programme, the year 2026 Action Plan and Calendar, guidance on policy development related to  organised crime and drug trafficking, adoption of modalities of a future Drafting Committee on reducing risks and harms of online and digital addictions, reflections and follow-up steps concerning the recent assessment of the International Drug Policy Academy, as well as preparations for the 69^th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the side events engagements.

Members of the Bureau also examined 2025 budget reporting and reviewed 2026 budget forecasting.  

This new cycle inaugural session confirmed the Bureau’s commitment to innovation, collaboration in addressing challenges in health, crime prevention and digital addictions policy for the coming years, setting a unified direction for effective and sustainable action of Pompidou Group.