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Back Key developments and future directions discussed at the 96th meeting of the Permanent Correspondents of the Pompidou Group

The 96^th meeting of Permanent Correspondents of the Pompidou Group took place in Bern on 15-16 May 2025. The session was chaired and opened by Mr Paolo Molinari, Chair of the Pompidou Group with a welcome address by Ms Anne Lévy, Director of the Swiss Federal Public Health Office and a statement from the Council of Europe’s Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment at the Council of Europe, Mr Rafael Benitez.

Director Lévy of the Swiss Federal Public Health Office said that: “The Pompidou Group plays an important role in bringing together countries with different experiences and approaches, but which are united by our shared commitment to the humanistic values. It is through these differences that we build stronger, more effective drug policies.”

Director Benitez of Social Rights, Health and Environment at the DG I in the Council of Europe addressed the meeting while emphasising that “the issue of drugs and addictions remains a pressing and complex challenge for Europe. The Council of Europe—through the Pompidou Group—has a vital role to play, reinforced by its human rights-based approach and its broadened mandate, including emerging areas like online addictions.”

The meeting focused on the preparation of the 2026-2029 work cycle, which includes electing the next Presidency for the Pompidou Group. Discussions were held on the draft Work Programme for this period, with input from various member states.

In addition to institutional planning, the meeting reviewed recent policy development work, including updates on the Drafting Committee on Human Rights and Drug Policies (DH-PDA), the Joint Expert Group on Organised Crime and Drug Trafficking (OC-DT); and the Policy Paper addressing the Risks and Harms of Online Gaming and Gambling.

Italy (which also holds the presidency of the Pompidou Group) regretfully announced its decision to withdraw from the Pompidou Group effective as of 1 January 2026. The Group expressed its appreciation for Italy’s longstanding contribution and commitment to international cooperation in the field of drug policies.

In light of this, the Permanent Correspondents decided that the Ministerial Conference, scheduled for November, will take place in Strasbourg.

The session was followed by study visits organised by the Swiss authorities on 16 May to Contact (foundation responsible for drug consumption room and drug checking service in Bern).