The Permanent Correspondents of the Pompidou Group have adopted new Guidelines designed to strengthen member States’ response to Organised Crime linked to Drug Trafficking, while ensuring full respect for human rights.

The guidelines were developed following a mandate from the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in May 2024, which called for policy guidance rooted in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. To support this work, a Joint Expert Group was established, bringing together specialists in criminal justice, human rights, public health and academia, alongside representatives of relevant Council of Europe bodies. Their combined expertise helped shape a balanced framework that pairs effective action against organised crime with strong legal and human rights safeguards.

Responding to the growing complexity of drug trafficking networks and their increasing use of digital technologies, the guidelines provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and criminal justice authorities. They promote approaches that are proportionate, fair and legally sound, while recognising that effective responses cannot rely on sanctions alone.

The guidelines also address emerging challenges linked to modern drug markets, including encrypted communications, digital evidence and the use of artificial intelligence. They underline the need to equip law enforcement and judicial authorities with effective tools, while safeguarding fundamental rights such as privacy, data protection and protection against discrimination.

Special attention is given to people most vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks. The guidelines highlight the importance of access to healthcare, harm reduction services and targeted support measures, particularly for children, young people and others at heightened risk.

The adoption of these Guidelines marks an important step towards more coherent and effective responses to drug-related organised crime. It also reaffirms the Pompidou Group’s role as a platform for co-operation, bringing together governments, experts and practitioners to develop policies that are both effective and firmly grounded in human rights and public health principles.