Excellences,

Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres et Secrétaires d’Etats,

Monsieur le Directeur,

Madame la Secrétaire exécutive,

Très chers collègues,

C’est un honneur pour la Suisse et pour moi-même d’ouvrir la 19^ème Conférence ministérielle du Groupe Pompidou.

Je tenais tout d’abord à remercier d’une part le Conseil de l’Europe pour nous accueillir aujourd’hui dans cette magnifique enceinte et d’autre part le Secrétariat du Groupe Pompidou pour l’énorme travail de préparation effectué en amont de cette réunion.

La Suisse exerce la Présidence du Groupe Pompidou depuis cet été à la suite de la démission de la Présidence italienne du Groupe Pompidou. Nous souhaitions ici encore à exprimer nos regrets quant à cette décision.

Nous voulions également transmettre toute notre appréciation à nos collègues italiens pour leur engagement et leur dévouement au Groupe Pompidou durant de nombreuses années. Nous espérons pouvoir les compter à nouveau parmi nous dans le futur.

Malgré cela, la Conférence ministérielle de ce jour est également porteuse de bonne nouvelle puisque nous accueillons aujourd’hui parmi nous un nouveau membre du Groupe Pompidou : l’Espagne.

Chers collègues, votre pays est bien connu pour votre politique ambitieuse en matière d’addictions et votre expertise, notamment en matière de prévention. Je crois que je peux parler au nom de tous les membres du Groupe Pompidou pour vous dire que nous sommes vraiment enchantés de vous compter parmi nous. Nous nous réjouissons de notre future collaboration en faveur de politiques efficaces, durables et humaines en matière d’addictions.

Je viens de mentionner la notion d’expertise dont l’importance ne doit pas être sous-estimée en particulier dans un domaine aussi sensible que les addictions. Face à une augmentation alarmante de la désinformation, amplifiée par les réseaux sociaux et l’intelligence artificielle, il est absolument indispensable de pouvoir construire nos politiques publiques sur les preuves scientifiques disponibles.

Les addictions font – malheureusement - partie de l’humanité depuis la nuit des temps. Nous devons accepter et travailler avec cette réalité. Il est donc de notre devoir de mettre à profit toutes les connaissances à notre disposition pour essayer de mettre en place des politiques pragmatiques et réalistes qui respectent pleinement les droits de l’Homme et protègent réellement la santé, tout en garantissant la sécurité de nos populations.

L’expertise juridique et scientifique, c’est l’un des atouts principaux du Groupe Pompidou – et du Conseil de l’Europe de manière générale. Grâce à la Convention de sauvegarde des droits de l'homme et libertés fondamentales et à la Cour européenne des droits de l’Homme, le Groupe Pompidou occupe par ailleurs une position unique en matière de droits fondamentaux.

C’est dans cette optique que notre programme de travail 2023-2025 mettait, et je cite : « Les droits de l’Homme au cœur des politiques en matière de drogues et d’addictions ».

Dans un monde où les droits humains sont sans cesse sous pression, et où l’on observe une augmentation dramatique des exécutions judiciaires et extra-judiciaires sous couvert de « guerre contre la drogue », il me semble que l’engagement du Groupe Pompidou relatif aux droits de l’Homme est plus que jamais essentiel.

Nous nous réjouissons par conséquent qu’une session de la journée de demain est consacrée spécifiquement aux travaux réalisés dans ce domaine lors du cycle de travail qui s’achève.

La volonté du Groupe Pompidou de mettre son expertise au service de ses états membres ne se limite toutefois pas à la question des droits de l’Homme. Nous adoptons véritablement une approche pluridisciplinaire qui traite autant la prévention, la thérapie, la réduction des risques que les questions liées à la réduction de l’offre. C’est dans cette perspective que le Groupe Pompidou propose chaque année une Académie internationale des politiques en matière de drogues pour permettre aux professionnels des addictions de continuer à se former et de profiter de l’expertise du Groupe Pompidou.

Le Groupe Pompidou propose également à ses pays membres un soutien technique sur des projets spécifiques. Par exemple, pour mettre en place des politiques de prévention efficaces ou améliorer les conditions de détention des personnes consommant des stupéfiants. Il s’engage également pour favoriser le partage d'expériences et de bonnes pratiques dans le domaine de la lutte contre le crime organisé lié au trafic de stupéfiants.

Permettez-moi à présent de vous parler d’un autre atout important du Groupe Pompidou. L’une des forces de ce groupe réside en effet dans sa capacité de regrouper pas moins de 41 pays autour de l’échange et la coopération dans le domaine des addictions. – Du Mexique à l’Azerbaïdjan, de l’Islande au Maroc.

Il va sans dire que nous avons des cultures différentes et que nous sommes bien évidemment confrontés à des réalités différentes.

Néanmoins, je crois que ce qui nous réunit c’est notre volonté de promouvoir les idéaux et les principes qui sont les nôtres pour le bien de nos populations. Dans un monde de plus en plus polarisé, le Groupe Pompidou est un espace précieux pour discuter ensemble de nos différentes approches en matière d’addiction, et ce même – ou peut-être surtout – quand nous ne sommes pas d’accord.

Ce dialogue constant et cette ouverture à l’autre impliquent également de travailler en partenariat avec la société civile.

Tout comme la science et l’expertise, la société civile est aussi de plus en plus mise sous pression dans le monde. Les organisations de la société civile actives dans le domaine des stupéfiants souffrent de manière croissante de pressions sur leur financement, d’atteintes à leur liberté d’expression et parfois même de répression violente.

Comme l’a rappelé la déclaration de Reykjavík, la société civile est pourtant indispensable au bon fonctionnement de la démocratie.

Dans le domaine de la politique des addictions, où nous essayons de soutenir les personnes les plus vulnérables, la société civile est d’autant plus essentielle. Sans soutenir et collaborer avec ces organisations, il nous est difficile de connaître la réalité et les besoins des personnes souffrant de dépendances et d’intervenir auprès d’elles.

Je me réjouis donc de constater que le renforcement du rôle de la société civile dans l'élaboration des politiques en matière de drogues et d’addictions constitue une des six priorités du nouveau programme de travail du Groupe Pompidou.

Excellences,

Mesdames, Messieurs,

Mettons à profit l’expertise existant au sein du Groupe Pompidou, continuons à travailler ensemble – surtout quand nous ne sommes pas parfaitement d’accord – et intégrons la société civile dans nos échanges.

Je suis persuadée qu’en suivant cette voie nous pourrons contribuer de manière positive à la situation en matière d’addictions dans nos pays.

La Suisse a été honorée de pouvoir contribuer à ces efforts durant sa Vice-présidence et sa Présidence du Groupe Pompidou. Bien que cette fonction prendra fin avec cette Conférence, notre engagement en faveur de politiques des addictions fondées sur le respect des droits humains se poursuivra au sein de ce groupe. Soyez assurés que vous pourrez compter sur notre contribution et collaboration active sous les nouvelles présidences à qui nous souhaitons d’ores et déjà le meilleur des succès.

Je vous remercie pour votre attention et vous souhaite une excellente conférence.

Madame President, Ministers and State Secretaries, Ambassadors, Permanent Correspondents, distinguished guests, colleagues,

On behalf of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, I am pleased to welcome you to the 19th Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group.

Today, we gather in a forum with more than fifty years of history—a testament not only to our shared legacy, but to a dynamic space, where ideas, approaches, and philosophies have continuously confronted and inspired one another.

Over the decades, this platform has shaped national and international responses to drugs, and more recently, to addictions in all their complexity.

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the acting Swiss Presidency for so rapidly and wholeheartedly embracing its leadership role.

Your unwavering commitment over the past six months and the excellent organisation of this Ministerial Conference have ensured continuity, strategic direction, and a smooth transition as we look toward a new presidency and an ambitious programme for the next four-year cycle.

The Pompidou Group was born as a European initiative, once described in the international press as “an unprecedented call for cross-border solidarity against narcotic crime.”

Under the impetus of the French President Georges Pompidou, it emerged in response to the surge in heroin trafficking. Since then, it has evolved into a global co-operation platform, developing responses to the constantly shifting challenges of drugs and addictions.

It is encouraging to see that the Group continues to grow. Spain’s recent decision to join, as well as the interest expressed by partners beyond Europe, reflects a widening geography and an expanding circle of trust. This evolution extends the original vision to new regions and partners, enriching our collective capacity to address common challenges.

Yet today we confront realities that were unimaginable five decades ago. The entire landscape, from precursor production to manufacturing, from trafficking routes to consumption patterns and dependencies, is evolving at unprecedented speed. New synthetic substances and precursors appear constantly. Criminal laboratories move closer to consumer markets, including in major European cities. Digital marketplaces, including encrypted platforms, continue to create new vulnerabilities that outpace existing controls.

Young people and vulnerable communities are disproportionately targeted. Criminal networks exploit technology, including artificial intelligence and social media, to recruit, to coordinate, and even to showcase violence as a tool of both intimidation or attraction. At the same time, the aggressive marketing and widespread availability of addictive substances and digital platforms are driving both substance misuse and behavioural addictions.

These challenges require not only reflection on past progress, but a revitalised and adaptive strategy for the future.

I therefore call on member States to engage fully with these realities as we begin implementing a new Work Programme for 2026–2029.

Our programme must integrate innovative tools, adaptive cross-border law enforcement co-operation, sustained partnerships across sectors and a strong prioritisation of prevention, resilience and the protection of our communities.

We must reflect a whole-of-society approach, fostering multidisciplinary partnerships that enhance law-enforcement effectiveness, reduce risks and harms, promote recovery and social reintegration and reinforce resilience from the ground up.

In this context, I wish to highlight the Secretary General’s political initiative for a New Democratic Pact, which places human rights and social rights at the heart of democratic resilience and stability. This important initiative reminds us that our efforts to address drugs and addictions are not merely operational or technical. They are essential to safeguarding human dignity, strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing trust in democratic institutions.

The Council of Europe has also stepped up its focus on health protection. Our Conference on the Protection of Health held on 15 October 2025, which brought together governments, civil society, experts and organisations, including the Pompidou Group presidency, highlighted health as a foundational democratic value. Its outcome document underscores that health protection is not only a matter of public policy, but a human-rights obligation, deeply intertwined with democracy and social justice.

By leveraging instruments such as the European Social Charter and the Oviedo Convention, and by fostering cross-sectoral co-operation, the Council of Europe is helping address digital-health challenges, emerging addictions, inequalities in access to care and the threats posed by disinformation.

This momentum aligns perfectly with the Pompidou Group’s mission: by weaving health rights, scientific evidence, and human dignity into our policy responses, we contribute meaningfully to the broader vision for democratic resilience.

Today’s challenges require stronger solidarity and deeper international co-operation. The new Work Programme adopted this morning will be implemented in close partnership with our global counterparts: UNODC, WHO, EUDA, OSCE, OAS/CICAD to name but a few. Their engagement strengthens our collective impact and ensures coherence across the international landscape.

The Pompidou Group stands at a crucial juncture. On one hand, we continue shaping modern international policies on drugs and addictions, developing guidelines and recommendations to counter organised crime, support law enforcement co-operation, protect human rights and address emerging behavioural addictions, including those linked to digital technologies. On the other hand, recent initiatives, including those advanced by the European Coalition against Drugs (ECAD) show the potential of our platform to support member States in establishing or strengthening national structures and observatories tailored to their specific needs.

As we launch this new chapter and begin the implementation of our new programme, let us seize the opportunity to renew our collective strategy, reaffirm our shared determination and demonstrate our capacity to adapt to tomorrow’s challenges. This is your Pompidou Group – it is for you to make the most of it.

Thank you for your commitment. I wish you productive discussions and concrete, meaningful outcomes.

Dear madame State Secretary of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health,

Dear Director Esposito,

Distinguished participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to attend the opening session of the 19^th Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group representing the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers held currently by the Republic of Moldova.

Together with social justice, health is essential for democratic stability and security and crucial to the full enjoyment of human rights by all.

The Council of Europe has a strong track record in protecting public health through a number of unique instruments, and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, which form the basis of its action. These include the Pompidou Group which contributes to developing and enhancing drug policies that guarantee a fair balance between the demands for public safety and the protection of individuals’ rights.

With the recent adoption of its programme and budget for the next two years the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe renewed its commitment also to the activities of the Pompidou Group entrusting it with new tasks and ensuring new outcomes.

Thus, Member States should aim at increasing their capacity to make informed and evidence-based drug policy choices in line with human rights standards and to effectively work across sectors and disciplines and ensure that changes to their drug and addiction policies, legislation and practice to address the problems of drug use and addictions are made in line with Council of Europe core values.

Additionally it reconfirmed the importance of the Drafting Committee on Human Rights in Drug Policies (DH-PDA) to finalize in 2026 the work on a draft recommendation on bringing human rights to the heart of drug and addiction policies, based notably on the policy document: “Guidance for aligning drug and addiction policies with human rights” adopted by the Permanent Correspondents of the Council of Europe International Cooperation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group) at their 95^th meeting in November 2024, as well as on the relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights

Ladies and gentlemen,

Considered at the time of its initiation as an ambitious and progressive step the Pompidou Group developed over the years into an important platform aiming at a multidisciplinary approach to tackle both the supply and demand of narcotic drugs having the human rights at its core.

The leadership of the Pompidou Group in mainstreaming human rights into drug policies translated into numerous achievements of its member states, including life-saving actions.

Over the years of activity, the Pompidou Group proved its potential to contribute to developing and enhancing drug policies that guarantee a fair balance between the demands for public safety and the protection of individuals’ rights.

The documents that are to be adopted at the end of this Conference indicate as well that applying the same open-mindedness with which it started its activities Pompidou Group has also the potential to adapt to the changing dynamics and raise to the expectations of its member states by providing innovative solutions, guidance and tools for policy makers, managers and practitioners involved in drug policy development, implementation and evaluation.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Spain on its accession to the Pompidou Group and to wish all of you a successful conclusion of the Conference’s activities thus paving the way for new achievements in efficiently tackling the problem of drug consumption and a reinforced cooperation against organized crime related to the drug trafficking based on common approaches and joint actions,

I thank you  

Distinguished participants of this opening, dear members of the delegations, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues,

Allow me to begin by expressing the warmest regards from the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State, who, due to prior institutional commitments, are unable to join us today. They have asked me to convey their recognition for the work you carry out and your devoted commitment to the work of the Pompidou Group and the Council of Europe. For them, as for the entire Government of Spain, Spain’s return to the Pompidou Group is a source of great satisfaction and holds both strategic and symbolic significance.

It is a pleasure to speak to you today as the Government Delegate for the National Drug Plan at this 19th Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group, which marks Spain’s return to this important forum of the Council of Europe.

Allow me, first of all, a few brief words to introduce the Government Delegate for the National Drug Plan of the Spanish Ministry of Health, an institution I have the honor of leading.

This Delegation was established in 1985 (this year marking its 40th anniversary!!) to implement the first National Drug Plan, addressed to reduce the supply and demand of drugs, to provide a public network of care services that was sufficient and transparent for users and society, and to promote the coordination and cooperation between the administrations and social institutions involved in the problem. At this moment, although tobacco and alcohol were the most consumed substances, we also suffered from the heroin epidemic.  Today, we have the same objectives including to reduce the demand of supply of drugs, but we face new challenges including behavioral or non-substance addictions, new psychoactive substances or how to address gender inequalities in consumption and access to treatment, and the problem of mental health and substance use.

Among its functions is leading the National Strategy on Addictions, which, as a result of consensus among all public administrations, professionals, scientists, civil society organizations, and both public and private sector actors involved in the National Drug Plan, allows us, together with our Action Plans, to set priorities and design effective responses.

We work to advance evidence-based policies that improve the health of the population, with a focus on social equity. We offer free and open-access services, including preventive, treatment, and social reintegration actions, as well as risk and harm reduction measures. These actions are grounded in human rights, putting the individual at the center, applying a gender perspective, and aiming to contribute to a healthier, safer, and more well-being population, based on scientific evidence and data (supported by a robust Observatory).

We also manage the Fund of Assets Seized from Drug Trafficking and Related Crimes, ensuring that the proceeds of illicit activities benefit society.

I would also like to highlight that, in addressing the field of drugs, Spain seeks a balance between health and security, maintaining close collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior.

Finally, I would like to underline the key role of this institution at the international level, which includes not only bilateral relations but also active participation in various international forums and cooperation projects. We are convinced that international cooperation is essential; at this time, no single State can address an issue that crosses borders and affects public health, security, and social cohesion. Spain is fully committed to working along these lines.

Spain returns to the Pompidou Group with enthusiasm, responsibility, and a firm commitment, fully aligned with the founding values of the Council of Europe and of the Pompidou Group. We are grateful for the warm welcome we have received and express our full commitment to collaborating as an active, constructive, and fully engaged partner in achieving our shared objectives.

As you know, Spain first joined the Group in 1984 and has since closely followed its activities. While at times it has not been a full member, mainly due to budgetary reasons, it has always remained aligned with the Group’s principles and participated in specific activities as appropriate. One area in which Spain has been particularly active in recent years is MedNet (the Mediterranean network for cooperation on drugs and addictions), taking part in meetings, hosting delegations in Spain, organizing study visits, and funding certain activities.

Focusing on the present and looking toward the future, I would like to highlight three key points:

1. The value of working together: We firmly believe that collaboration in international forums is not only necessary, but essential in today’s interconnected world. Working together benefits all participants and, ultimately, the broader population. It allows us to be better prepared for emerging challenges and to provide more effective, timely responses.

2. What Spain can contribute: Spain brings extensive experience in the field of addictions, along with a strong commitment to share it. We advocate a holistic approach, which we outlined when presenting the Government’s Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs. This approach emphasizes evidence-based policies that anticipate needs, respond effectively, and fully respect human rights.

3. The advantages of being part of the Pompidou Group: Rejoining the Group offers many benefits, and I will highlight a few. The Partial Agreement on Enlargement provides greater flexibility, enables a focus on specific topics, and allows participation from states across different regions of the world. The Group fosters technical discussions, training activities, reflection, and innovation, all of which are vital. It also serves as an international platform to address issues related to behavioral addictions, closely linked to mental health, which is a key priority for Spain.

My final words are of gratitude. Thanks to everyone in Spain, from the Permanent Representation and the Ministry of Health, and especially within the Government Delegation for the National Drug Plan, who made Spain’s return possible. We also sincerely thank all those at the Council of Europe and within the Pompidou Group, including the member States.  I would like to make a special mention of our neighbors in Portugal, who promoted our return during their presidency of the Group. Ultimately, these words of thanks are dedicated to all members of the Group, who, each in their own role and working toward a shared goal, ensure its smooth functioning and have welcomed us so warmly.

We are convinced that, together, we can continue advancing toward healthier, safer, and fairer societies. That is the spirit of the Council of Europe; and that is also the spirit with which Spain returns to the Pompidou Group.

Austria wants to take this moment to express its sincere gratitude for the confidence placed in us and hereby accepts its election.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

It is a great honor for the Czech Republic to be elected as the Presidency of the Pompidou Group for the period 2028–2029. Although we have been a proud member of the Group since 1993, this marks the first time we have considered and are now preparing to embrace this important role. Our candidacy reflects a deep appreciation for the Pompidou Group’s mission and a strong commitment to advancing its values.

Over the past three years, we have actively participated in the Bureau as an observer, gaining valuable insight into the Group’s work and direction. During the last program period, we have contributed our expertise and personal commitment to priority areas such as prevention, support for children affected by parental addiction, human rights, and emerging challenges such as online addiction. These contributions reflect our shared vision with the Pompidou Group: a human rights-oriented and balanced approach to drug and addiction policy.

We firmly believe that public health and human rights must remain central pillars of our collective efforts. As the Presidency, we intend to continue promoting these principles and supporting the implementation of the Group’s extended mandate, which now addresses addictive behaviors beyond illicit drugs—including legal substances and new forms of addiction. In recent years, the Czech Republic has made significant steps in the areas of legal drugs and behavioral addictions as part of the integrated addiction policy, and we see great potential to build on these experiences. We can also provide long-term experience in developing high-quality addiction services that should be able to respond to current needs.

We are ready to work closely with all of you, especially with Austria as the co-presidency and Mexico, as the vice-presidency, to support and encourage the connection between policy and practice, and to lead the Group with openness, responsibility, and ambition.

What makes the Pompidou Group truly unique is its role as a dynamic platform for policymakers, experts, and researchers to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange. It fosters effective discussions even in areas that are difficult and challenging to address. Its flexibility and responsiveness allow timely reactions to emerging challenges in addiction policy.

The Czech Republic as the incoming Presidency values the opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, share best practices, and engage in expert-level cooperation. We are also proud to contribute to the development of publications and policy recommendations that support Member States in their efforts.

In closing, we thank the Pompidou Group, its Member States and Secretariat, for its outstanding work and for the trust placed in us. We look forward to leading the Group in the coming years and to continuing our shared journey toward effective, humane, and forward-looking policies.

Madam President, distinguished Ministers, colleagues,

Mexico is honoured to participate in this Ministerial Conference and wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Pompidou Group for convening this meeting at such key moment for global drug policy. We are equally grateful for the trust placed in Mexico through our election as Vice-President for the 2026–2029 cycle. We accept this role with a deep sense of commitment and with the conviction that this role offers a unique opportunity to strengthen bridges between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.

For Mexico, the Pompidou Group has long stood out as a platform capable of linking regional experiences and fostering meaningful cooperation. Our region faces realities that are increasingly global in nature: the rapid expansion of synthetic drugs and chemical precursors; the intensification of violence linked to organised crime; the need for comprehensive responses that integrate public health, human rights and evidence-based prevention; and the growing use of digital tools and transnational networks that facilitate criminal operations. These challenges require a multidimensional approach.

In this regard, we are pleased that the 2026–2029 Work Programme places at its core several issues that are crucial for Mexico and for our hemisphere, including the promotion of human rights in drug and addiction policies; the reinforcement of international cooperation; the need to address emerging threats such as high-potency synthetic substances, new drug mixtures and evolving trafficking patterns; and the importance of preventing the recruitment and exploitation of children and youth by criminal organisations. These priorities reflect the lived experience of many Latin American and Caribbean societies and align with the human-centred perspective that Mexico has consistently championed.

Mexico also welcomes the Terms of Reference shared with the membership. We view them as a clear demonstration of collective good faith, flexibility and an honest desire to work toward shared objectives. This instrument will help ensure a more coordinated and coherent collaboration among member States and international partners.

Likewise, we applaud the presentation of the Guidelines on Combating Organised Crime Related to Drug Trafficking, a document that places human rights, proportionality, financial disruption, protection of vulnerable groups and judicial cooperation at the centre of policy responses. These guidelines, grounded in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, are highly relevant for Mexico and for our region, and where aligning security and public health objectives remains a constant challenge.

Looking ahead, Mexico wishes to highlight a dimension we consider essential and which we hope to articulate from our Vice-Presidency: the importance of advancing cooperation frameworks that enable the exchange of methodologies, scientific tools and operational capacities to confront the synthetic drug phenomenon. This includes the chemical profiling of substances, controlled deliveries, precursor tracing, financial investigations and more agile forms of judicial cooperation. These elements are indispensable if we are to respond effectively to rapidly evolving drug markets.

Mexico firmly believes that this Vice-Presidency represents a unique opportunity to strengthen structured dialogue and cooperation with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organization of American States (CICAD-OAS), building bridges between the Pompidou Group’s human-rights-based objectives, its 2026–2029 Work Programme, and the hemispheric priorities advanced by CICAD. By aligning both platforms’ work on synthetic drugs, precursors, prevention, treatment, and the fight against organised crime, we can promote a more coherent and mutually reinforcing region-to-region approach that benefits Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean alike.

Thank you.

Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a privilege to address you as we assess progress under the Pompidou Group’s 2023–2025 work programme. Our joint achievements highlight the value of multilateral cooperation, evidence-based policy, and a resolute focus on human rights.

Guided by the 18th Ministerial Conference roadmap, we have benefitted from the strong coordination between the Bureau, the Committee of Permanent Correspondents, and the Presidency. This unity ensures our activities align across all member states.

The Pompidou Group remains a unique forum, fostering collaboration among health, justice, law enforcement, education, civil society, and human rights actors. This multidisciplinary dialogue is shaping human-centred, balanced drug policies that address both health and security.

A significant milestone has been the adoption of Guidance for Aligning Drug and Addiction Policies with Human Rights. Supporting tools, including the Self-Assessment Tool and the Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals course, are empowering states to monitor progress and integrate rights-based approaches.

Law enforcement cooperation has advanced with the Annual Conference on Drug Control Networks, enabling information exchange on emerging threats like synthetic substances and digital drug markets. Our policy guidelines on organised crime and drug trafficking—rooted in human rights—are set for adoption at this Conference.

Supporting vulnerable groups—especially children and families affected by substance use—remains a cornerstone of our work. Child-centred and gender-sensitive initiatives, as well as prevention and harm reduction efforts, including the youth-led Prevention Prize, further underline our evidence-based, inclusive approach.

On the new front of online addictions, our policy paper on gaming and gambling has raised awareness about youth mental health risks. Collaboration with the European Commission supports member states in responding to these emerging challenges.

Our Health in Prison Programmes have extended treatment options in Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia, including opioid agonist therapy and therapeutic communities, ensuring health needs of incarcerated people are met, consistent with human rights.

Regional cooperation—through the Mediterranean Network and South-East Europe groups—continues to strengthen capacity building, technical exchange, and treatment access, always balancing health and security priorities.

International partnerships, particularly with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, WHO, and the EU Drugs Agency, amplify our reach and ensure alignment with global drug policy standards.

In summary, the 2023–2025 work cycle demonstrates that a multidisciplinary, balanced, and human-centred approach is essential in addressing drugs and addiction. These achievements reflect our shared commitment and the expertise of our member states and partners.

As we move forward, let us build on this momentum, staying united in our commitment to effective, rights-based responses to evolving challenges.

Thank you for your attention and partnership.

Honourable President, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I could not but seek to provide an input to this the first session of our deliberations here today. The main reason for doing so is the fact that the last work programme 2023-2025, placed specific emphasis on Human rights as I will highlight in due course, and this, the 75th anniversary year of the European Convention of Human Rights which also coincided with Malta’s Presidency of the Council of Europe and the joy of celebrating such an occasion. The last few months have been positively busy with the high point of the festivities related to the ECHR’s 75th Birthday.

The key activities from the previous Pompidou Group work programme, bringing human rights to the heart of drug and addiction policies, have shown to be timely in the current climate of extrajudicial human rights infringements by a number of states.  The first of these initiatives, the result of the Pompidou’s Expert Group on Human Rights and Drug Policy, in which we had the privilege to Chair, resulted in the Guidance Document entitled “Guidance for Aligning Drug and Addiction Policies with Human Rights”. This provided the basis for a follow up activity, that of a drafting committee on the matter to prepare the relevant policy recommendations that will be presented to the Committee of Ministers at the end of the process in December 2026.

A second initiative, that of the launch of the self-assessment tool on human rights and drug policy, has now been tried and tested over this last work programme. A series of updates have been suggested to be made during the next work programme, in which the function of the tool will be expanded. This is in the main will require that the policy making bodies in each of the respective countries contribute to completing the questions related to the justice, health and social domains with respect to adhering to human rights in their drug policy. The tool should provide countries with the opportunity to further position human rights at the centre of their drug policies that will better impact on the manner which states treat people who use drugs.

A third endeavour which was launched just recently at last March’s UN CND meeting in Vienna, was the online course on Human Rights and Drug Use directed to legal professionals. The multidisciplinary working group made up of experts from various fields along with representatives from civil society have crafted a course consisting of four modules, namely, Key concepts of Human Rights, Human Rights and Drug Use in Practice, Hunan Rights in the context of Health and Treatment and finally Human Rights and the administration of Justice. I would venture to state that this course would benefit most involved in this particular field, that of human rights and drug policy, and not those only involved in the administration of justice.

A related educational activity is that of the Pompidou Group’s  International Drug Policy Academy that has now run three drug policy executive courses over the past years. A core component of the course is that of Human Rights and Drug Policy and thus one component of the module is held here in Strasbourg where part of proceedings are held at the European Court of Human Rights. The course per se is oversubscribed each year it is launched with participants hailing from every corner of the globe. The programme has been assembled by members of the Pompidou Secretariat with the help of colleagues from the University of Syracuse, New York and the University of Malta.

Finally, such activities in this domain, that of Human Rights and Dug Policy, further strengthen our resolve to do better without judging such individuals who use drugs, as like other members of society, they are entitled to the same standards of address.

I am assured on viewing the new work programme for the period 2026-2029, that every effort will be made to build on the success of the past endeavours to be able to do more and better this time round.

Thank you.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

The Czech Republic is pleased to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the Pompidou Group during the 2023–2025 work cycle. Under the guiding theme “Human Rights at the Heart of Drug and Addiction Policies,” the Group has made remarkable progress in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based responses to addiction across Europe and beyond.

This work cycle has been marked by innovation, responsiveness, and a strong commitment to human rights. The Pompidou Group has successfully expanded its scope beyond illicit drugs, addressing behavioral addictions and legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco—areas that are often overlooked despite their significant harm. This evolution reflects the real needs of our societies and aligns with the Czech Republic’s own priorities.

We particularly commend the Group’s efforts in:

• Promoting human rights compliance in drug policy through tools like the self-assessment framework and the guidance document “Bringing Human Rights to the Heart of Drug and Addiction Policies.”
• Supporting vulnerable populations, including children affected by parental addiction, prisoners, and socially marginalized individuals.
• Addressing new forms of addiction, especially those facilitated by digital technologies, through expert groups and the TSI project on online gaming and gambling funded by the EU.
• Facilitating regional cooperation through MedNET, the South-East Europe Network, and the Criminal Justice and Health in Prisons Programme.

The Pompidou Group’s ability to convene policymakers, experts, and researchers in a flexible and inclusive format has proven invaluable. Its ad hoc activities, thematic trainings, and high-profile symposia have enabled timely responses to emerging challenges.

For the Czech Republic, the achievements of the Pompidou Group in the 2023–2025 cycle strongly align with our national priorities and future vision. We are committed to actively continuing and expanding efforts that have been implemented, in particular, in the following areas:

• Introducing innovative approaches to drug regulation, including approaches based on varying degrees of harmfulness of substances, and the decriminalization of personal use and possession.
• Supporting the development of interventions and broadening scopes of services, such as low-threshold facilities for people who use alcohol, take home naloxone program, supervised drug consumption rooms and online counselling and treatment.
• Focusing on addictions beyond illicit drugs and gambling, particularly alcohol and tobacco, which remain among the most harmful substances.
• Addressing poly-substance use and mental health comorbidities in addiction policies, monitoring and practice.
• Promoting the implementation of human rights standards in addiction policies and the promotion of the HELP course.
• Developing targeted programs for vulnerable groups and multidisciplinary evidence-based approaches.
• Raising awareness of risks associated with substance use and addiction, and of the risk factors for addiction.

In conclusion, the Pompidou Group has demonstrated its unique capacity to foster consensus, bridge diverse perspectives, and deliver tangible impact. Its achievements in this work cycle have laid a strong foundation for future progress, and the Czech Republic is proud to be part of this journey.

Thank you.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Delegation of the Republic of Slovenia expresses its sincere appreciation to the Presidency and the Secretariat of the Pompidou Group for their dedication in preparing the new Political Declaration and the Work Programme 2026–2029 and for advancing a human rights-based, evidence-informed and multidisciplinary response to drugs and addictions.

This Ministerial Conference is a vital moment for reaffirming our shared commitment to coherent, balanced and humane drug policies. The new Political Declaration and the Work Programme reflects the complexity of today’s challenges: the rapid rise of synthetic substances, the growing risks of digital addictions, the intersection of mental health and substance use disorders, and the evolving methods of organised crime. Slovenia strongly supports the Group’s efforts to address these trends through its six strategic priorities, in particular the integration of human rights, the strengthening of civil society’s role, and enhanced international cooperation. In this context we welcome the accession of Spain to the Pompidou Group and regret the departure of Italy from the Pompidou Group; and thank it for its numerous years of support and wish for its re-accession in the near future.

We particularly welcome the Pompidou Group’s focus on mental health, on prevention in digital environments, on the inclusion of people with lived experience, and on improving responses to organised crime and drug trafficking while fully respecting rule of law and human dignity.

At national level, Slovenia continues to promote a comprehensive, intersectoral and community-based approach. Our long-standing cooperation model brings together experts from health, education, justice, policing, and social protection, alongside civil society and local communities. This balanced and inclusive approach remains essential for effective prevention, timely interventions, and the protection of vulnerable groups, especially youth.

Slovenia also attaches high importance to regional and international cooperation, especially with partners in the Western Balkans, and remains committed to supporting capacity-building and policy development beyond our borders.

The Republic of Slovenia strongly supports both the adoption of the Political Declaration and the new Work Programme and reaffirms its full cooperation in its implementation. Together, through solidarity and evidence-based action, we can achieve healthier, safer and more resilient societies.

Dear esteemed colleagues,

During Cyprus’ MedNET Presidency in 2022–2023, we opened an important discussion on using non-stigmatizing, person-centred language in the field of addictions, with valuable contributions from Switzerland and Morocco. We highlighted the complexity of addressing human rights in the Mediterranean region, where the concept is still often linked with stigma, and stressed the need to tackle these issues in future MedNET projects.

Since terminology evolves constantly, our first goal was simply to begin a shared conversation within MedNET on appropriate and common language. Although this discussion is ongoing, Cyprus has already adopted the proposed non-stigmatizing terminology at policy level and incorporated it into the new 2025–2028 Action Plan. In addition, regular training sessions for professionals on non-stigmatizing, person-centred approaches have been delivered.

Within the Pompidou Group’s cooperation initiatives for prison settings, Cyprus has also made significant progress in strengthening treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for people with substance use disorders in detention. Following the Group’s expert assessment visit in June 2024, and through active participation in the PRISEE cooperation group, Cyprus developed a comprehensive, human-rights-based model of care coordinated by the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC).

A major milestone will be the establishment of an Intensive Treatment Day Unit within the Nicosia Central Prisons. In collaboration with the NAAC, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, and the Mental Health Services, the unit will provide medical, psychological, and social support through individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, vocational training, and relapse-prevention programmes. This initiative strengthens Cyprus’ leadership within the Pompidou Group by promoting regional cooperation and evidence-based prison health policy.

Supporting young people and families affected by substance use is a core priority for NAAC. Recognising that children’s well-being is closely connected to that of their parents, Cyprus actively participated in the Pompidou Group’s project on children whose parents use drugs, the follow-up research on fathers with substance use problems, as well as the development of a practical guide on integrating gender and children’s rights into family services. Our involvement helped us strengthen international partnerships, exchange expertise, and adapt our policies and training programmes.

Let us imagine a future where everyone can access the support they need and where the right to health is truly realised for all.

Thank you.

Distinguished Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to address this Ministerial Conference on behalf of Georgia.

I wish to thank to the organizers for their excellent preparation of the event and the warm hospitality extended to all delegations.

Allow me to express our appreciation to Pompidou Group for its steadfast commitment to fostering evidence-based, balanced, and human-rights-centred drug policies across Europe and beyond.

We all agree that the threat posed by illicit drugs exceeds borders, undermines public health, and feeds organized crime. No country can effectively confront this challenge alone.

Therefore, international cooperation is indispensable. Through joint efforts, information sharing, and coordinated action, we can strengthen prevention and fight against drug crimes, and protect our citizens.

With this aim, over the past years, Georgia has undertaken significant reforms to modernize its national drug policy, focusing on public health, prevention, treatment, and the protection of human dignity.

We remain committed to a holistic approach based on the evidences and thematic surveys conducted by the National Drug Observatory (NDO).

Georgia continues to actively engage with international partners and contribute to joint initiatives aimed at reducing demand, preventing drug trafficking, and strengthening border security.

In pursuing these objectives, we are grateful for the continued support of the Council of Europe and the Pompidou Group. Our bilateral project remains an essential instrument for implementing well-coordinated, comprehensive prevention initiatives at the national level.

With the active support of the Pompidou Group and its bilateral project, we have developed a National Strategy for Prevention, along with its respective action plans, and conducted numerous awareness-raising trainings for different target groups (parents, teachers, psychologists, social workers, and officers working in the probation and penitentiary systems), including policy-makers, even at the municipal level.

Looking ahead, Georgia remains committed to deepening its engagement with the Pompidou Group and its member states.

Last but not least, we fully endorse the spirit of the Ministerial Declaration, which reflects our shared commitment to human-centered approaches.

Thank you, and I wish you successful event.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues,

On behalf of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs, representing a broad and diverse global community of over 450 civil society organizations from every region of the world, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Pompidou Group and to the Council of Europe for your continued leadership in advancing human rights–based approaches in drug policy.

Your efforts during the 2023–2025 work cycle — and particularly the launch of the Drafting Committee on Human Rights and Drug Policies (DH-PDA) — mark a significant milestone. This initiative recognizes something essential: that drug policy is not merely a technical or administrative matter; it is fundamentally about people, dignity, and the protection of universal rights.

As we move this discussion forward, we should remember that human rights are universal and apply to everyone affected by drug policy — including children, families, indigenous peoples, people who use drugs, and people in recovery. A truly human rights–based approach cannot be limited to one group alone; rather, it must reflect the full diversity of people and communities whose lives are touched by drug use, drug markets, enforcement, health systems, and social responses. It encompasses a wide spectrum of rights and responsibilities across society.

Let me highlight several areas where a broader, universal human-rights perspective is crucial.

First, the rights of the child.

Article 33 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child obliges governments to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This obligation is not punitive; it is preventive, developmental, and rooted in public health. It reminds us that every child has the right to grow up in environments that support their health, safety, learning, and resilience. Evidence-based prevention, family support, and education systems that strengthen protective factors are essential components of fulfilling these rights.

Second, the rights of communities.

Communities — neighbourhoods, towns, schools, workplaces — have the right to be safe, healthy, and supported. Community voices are often overlooked in high-level policy debates, yet they are the first line of prevention and early intervention, harm reduction, and recovery. When we talk about human rights in drug policy, we must include the rights of communities that experience the consequences of drug markets, violence, social instability, and limited access to services. Their needs must inform the design of balanced and effective policies.

Third, the rights of people who use drugs and people in recovery.

Human dignity requires that people who use drugs are not subjected to discrimination, stigma, or violence. Access to health services, harm reduction, voluntary treatment, and pathways to recovery must be protected and expanded. It is essential that we respect autonomy, reduce risks, and support individuals throughout their journeys — whether their needs relate to health, mental well-being, housing, employment, or reintegration.

Taken together, these intertwined rights call for a comprehensive approach across the entire continuum of care.

A human rights–based drug policy must include:

• Prevention grounded in science, ethics, and community empowerment, not fear-based messaging or ineffective measures.
• Harm reduction that preserves life and health, reduces negative outcomes, and respects the dignity of all individuals.
• Treatment and recovery services that are voluntary, accessible, affordable, culturally sensitive, and free from coercion and stigma.
• Access to controlled medicines for pain relief, palliative care, mental health care, and other legitimate medical needs — an often overlooked component of the right to health.

This integrated framework reflects not only the UN Common Position on Drugs but also the broader international human rights architecture, including the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy. It also mirrors the VNGOC’s long-standing mission to connect civil society expertise with intergovernmental processes — from global platforms like the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs to regional mechanisms such as the Pompidou Group.

As civil society, we witness first-hand the human and social consequences of drug policies that fail to uphold rights. We also see the transformative impact when policies are balanced, compassionate, and evidence-based. Ensuring that no person, no family, and no community is left behind must be at the heart of our common agenda.

Let this new Drafting Committee be a space where rights converge — not in competition, but in complementarity. A space that embraces the universality of human rights while acknowledging the specific needs of different groups. A space that brings together states, experts, and civil society to draft recommendations that will stand the test of time and generate real, positive change on the ground.

Together, we can build policies that work — and societies that care. That is the legacy we owe to future generations.

Thank you.

Dear Participants of the 19th Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group,

Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the invitation to this signifant gathering and for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Correlation – the European Harm Reduction Network.

My name is Magdalena Bartnik, I am a Director of Prekursor Foundation in Warsaw and a member of the Advisory Board of Correlation – a civil society network uniting more than 400 organisational and individual members across Europe.

We welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important event and to represent the voices of civil society across our region. Civil society is essential for healthy, safe, and democratic societies. Our organisations play an essential role in delivering health, social, and harm reduction services—often to those who are most marginalised, most excluded and most in need.

And yet, despite this vital contribution, we witness increasing pressure on civil society—and particularly on human rights and harm reduction organisations. Many NGOs are being weakened: by chronic underfunding, by a shrinking civic space, and, in some cases, by open hostility. This trend is spreading across the Europe and affecting organisations working in many different fields.

Harm reduction is an essential component of a rights-based and evidence-informed approach to drug use. Yet it is under growing pressure in Europe and globally. Although the evidence is clear - harm reduction works - services remain underfunded, and many countries still lack essential interventions. People who use drugs continue to be criminalised and remain among the most stigmatised and discriminated groups in our societies, often denied access to even the most basic health and social services.

The tone of the public debate has changed. It has become harsher, more polarised and more aggressive. This aggression seeks to silence voices, to simplify complex realities into black-and-white stories, and to promote fear and division. In such an environment, facts, evidence, humanity, and empathy struggle to be heard.

Civil society has a critical role to play in addressing these challenges. Beyond providing data, expertise, and frontline services, civil society asks the difficult questions, highlights gaps, and draws attention to what is not working. We act as a watchdog, safeguarding civil and human rights, empowering vulnerable groups, and combating stigma and discrimination. These functions are indispensable in any democratic society.

The Council of Europe and the Pompidou Group are committed to human rights and these democratic values. The inclusion of civil society in the Ministerial Conference is an encouraging start. We sincerely hope it will be followed by meaningful consultations at the European, national, and local levels.

Civil society stands ready to cooperate.

We look forward to working together to ensure that our policies are grounded in evidence, guided by compassion, and respectful of human rights.

Thank you once again for inviting us!

Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of EuroNPUD, the European Network of People Who Use Drugs. I also want to recognise the Pompidou Group’s work in the 2023–2025 cycle. The guidance Bringing Human Rights to the Heart of Drug and Addiction Policies sends a clear message: drug policy must be grounded in dignity, participation, non-discrimination, and the right to health.

I speak not as a distant observer, but through lived experience. I have lost friends to overdose and preventable diseases like HIV and hepatitis — not because services fail, but because they were inaccessible, stigmatizing, or simply absent. In my own life, it was peers — not institutions — who helped me survive and rebuild. That experience drives my work today.

It also shapes EuroNPUD’s core principle: no policy about us should be made without us.

Participation is crucial, but it must be more than consultation. It must be structural — embedded in funding, governance, service design, and evaluation. Our policy brief Scaling Up Community Involvement makes this clear: community-led responses are not optional. They are the backbone of effective, humane drug policy.

Peer-led organisations and drug user groups are often first to detect changes in drug markets, first to respond to crises, and last to abandon people when public systems fail. Yet across Europe, they operate on short-term funding or volunteer labour, while delivering essential services. A human-rights-based approach requires stable, multi-year, ring-fenced funding, including core support from the European Commission.

The impact of underinvestment is most visible in services. Supervised consumption rooms and drug checking save lives, prevent infections, and connect people to care. Yet in many countries, these services are pilots or exist in legal grey zones. They must become standard public health infrastructure, with legal protection and peer staffing as the norm.

Opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OAMT) is one of the strongest tools to reduce mortality, HIV and hepatitis transmission, and improve quality of life. Access across Europe remains unequal and punitive. People are discharged for relapse, denied take-home doses, or forced into daily supervision that makes work and family life impossible.

Women, trans, and non-binary people face additional barriers, exclusion, or retraumatization, highlighting the need for gender-responsive, trauma-informed, peer-led services.

Service reform alone is insufficient while criminalisation persists. Punishing people for personal drug use does not reduce harm. It fuels stigma, fear, and lifelong exclusion. Decriminalisation, combined with expungement of past criminal records, is one of the most effective steps governments can take to protect health and dignity.

Meaningful engagement of lived experience in prison reform is also crucial, given the impact of harsh, punitive drug policies on extremely strained prison systems. Peer-led and community-led interventions based on lived experience ensure dignity, humane conditions and continuity of care inside prisons and in the community.

Even that is incomplete without accountability. Evaluation must include community-led indicators — peer employment, access to OAMT without punitive conditions, availability of drug checking, naloxone and supervised consumption services — and outcomes that reflect dignity, not just compliance.

Europe’s responsibility does not stop at its borders. The European Commission’s contribution to the Global Fund supports community-led harm reduction worldwide. Continued leadership, including a pledge of at least €800 million at the current replenishment cycle, is essential. We must also defend UNAIDS, which protects the rights of people living with and affected by HIV globally, from being sunset in 2026.

The Pompidou Group has laid a strong human-rights foundation. Now it must be strengthened with concrete commitments — stable funding for community leadership, dignified access to services, legal reform, and real power for people with lived experience.

This is the Europe we want.

This is the Europe that is possible.

And this is the Europe that EuroNPUD and our partners are ready to help build.

Thank you.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Following the revision of the Pompidou Statute in 2021, the Lisbon Declaration, adopted at the last Ministerial Conference in 2022, reaffirmed the focus of our work on exploring strategies to address addictions related to the use of communication and information technologies. In this context, one of the core priorities of the 2023–2025 Pompidou Group Work Programme was to address new forms of addictions by (i) understanding addictions facilitated by technologies and online practices, (ii) exploring available online interventions and tools in self-help and treatment, and (iii) presenting and promoting new prevention practices for a digital world.

To advance this mandate, the Pompidou Group established an Expert Group on online addictions in 2023, and composed of experts from fourteen member States – chaired by Switzerland and joined by Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Slovak Republic, and Slovenia– and with participation of the WHO. Its first major output was the report on risks and harms associated with online gaming and gambling, based on which a policy document was adopted by the Permanent Correspondents at their 94th Meeting in 2024. This work responded to an urgent reality: gambling and gaming disorders are recognised by the WHO in the ICD-11, in force since 2022, and the convergence of these two activities—through features such as loot boxes and monetisation mechanics— that has created new vulnerabilities for children and young people. The policy paper set out the Group’s vision for reducing risks and harms of online gaming and gambling, outlining policy priorities regulatory options, consumer-protection measures, and challenges, as well key monitoring and evaluation methods, while providing regulatory overviews and guidance on effective multistakeholder co-operation, which

This policy work has been supported by thematic capacity-building activities organised by the Group and by a joint project with the European Commission under the Technical Support Instrument or “TSI”: “Promoting the Mental Health of Children and Youth by Addressing the Risks of Online Gambling and Gaming”. Covering nine EU member States (Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia), joined by four observer States (Bulgaria, Denmark, Montenegro, and Spain), this partnership with the European Commission has driven a pioneering initiative to address the growing mental-health risks linked to online gambling and gaming among children and youth.

For over a year now, these nine member States, working closely together. aimed to provide scientific evidence, practical tools, and policy guidance to strengthen national responses. The project’s impact is already visible. For instance, it has informed legislative reforms, such as Czechia’s work on advertising regulation and Malta’s upcoming Gaming and Gambling Policy. The project has been supporting the design of cooperation protocols with private industry (for example in Croatia and Portugal) and facilitated the establishment of relevant national forums. It has produced two systematic literature reviews and a comprehensive situation analysis, generating evidence to inform policy, as well as a toolbox of interventions for prevention and a blueprint communication strategy, which are currently being finalised.

It should be noted that the situation analysis that covered twenty-five countries revealed several critical gaps. First, while all participating countries have legal frameworks for gambling, enforcement remains weak, particularly against illegal operators. Online gaming regulation is almost absent, and gambling-like features embedded in games are largely unaddressed. Second, underage access to gambling platforms persists despite age restrictions, and aggressive advertising—including influencer marketing—continues to expose minors to high-risk content. Prevention programmes exist but are fragmented, underfunded, and rarely evaluated. Treatment services for minors are scarce, often delivered within substance-use frameworks rather than tailored to behavioural addictions. Data collection is inconsistent, and there is minimal empirical evidence on the effectiveness of current policies. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach not only in the nine countries participating in the TSI project but also across other Pompidou Group member States and beyond.

Looking ahead, this work will continue and intensify in the Pompidou Group’s next work cycle, from 2026 to 2029. This will include contributing to strengthening national responses to online addictions (Expected Result 2: Comprehensive Drug and Addiction Policies and Legal Frameworks). This work (Output 2.1) envisages: supporting member States in developing cohesive addiction policies, advancing new prevention practices for the digital environment through online interventions and self-help tools; promoting (in cooperation with EUDA and WHO) evidence-based awareness and education programmes, and assisting in the design of national strategies to address digital and social-media addiction in educational institutions. The Group will also advance its standard-setting work (Output 2.2) through the development of the Committee of Ministers Recommendation on Online/Digital Addiction, as well as guiding the introduction, implementation and monitoring of the Recommendation.

By combining research, regulation, prevention, treatment, and communication, we are strengthening our collective capacity to protect the population—especially the most vulnerable, such as children and young people—and to promote mental health in the digital age.

Thank you.

Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres,

Je m’adresse à vous aujourd’hui en tant que clinicienne, et directrice d’un programme qui accueille chaque année des centaines de jeunes et de familles en détresse face à l’utilisation problématique d’Internet. Je m’adresse a vous en tant que chercheuse, directrice du CCOMS en santé mentale et membre de la Lancet Commission. 

Derrière les chiffres que je vais vous présenter, il y a des visages. Celui de Léo, 16 ans, qui a décroché du lycée après des mois de nuits blanches passées devant des jeux en ligne. Celui de Emma, 14 ans, harcelée sur les réseaux sociaux, qui a tenté de se suicider. Et celui de Claire, 19 ans, qui jouait 12 heures par jour à un jeu vidéo pour "ne plus penser à son anxiété".

Ces jeunes ont un point commun : ils souffrent en silence. Pourtant, leur souffrance ne se manifeste pas de la même manière. Léo sera repéré parce qu’il crie sur ses coéquipiers ou rate ses devoirs. Claire passera inaperçue, parce qu’elle joue seule, dans sa chambre, pour échapper à une dépression. « Personne ne voyait que je passais mes nuits sur mon jeu vidéo, parce que je n’avais pas à parler à qui que ce soit ».

Ces inégalités dans la prise en charge ne sont pas acceptables.

Une épidémie silencieuse aux conséquences graves.

11 % des adolescents européens présentent une utilisation problématique des réseaux sociaux, et 12 % risquent une addiction aux jeux vidéo.

Pourtant, seulement 22 % des sociétés d’addictologie en Europe disposent de certifications professionnelles pour traiter l’UPI, et 68 % des pays manquent de programmes de formation pour les cliniciens.. 63 % n’ont pas de programmes de formation dédiés à l’UPI, malgré la reconnaissance du trouble du jeu vidéo dans la CIM-11 depuis 2019.

Un problème sous-estimé : L’UPI est souvent perçue comme un "simple" excès d’écrans, et non comme un trouble de santé mentale à part entière. Pourtant, les mécanismes neurobiologiques (déficience du contrôle cortical, impulsivité, recherche de récompense immédiate) sont comparables à ceux des addictions aux substances.

Un manque de formation : Les professionnels de santé ne sont pas formés à repérer ni à traiter l’UPI. « On nous a appris à soigner la dépression ou l’anxiété, mais pas les addictions aux écrans », explique un psychiatre.

Des solutions dispersées : Les rares centres spécialisés (comme ReConnecte en Suisse) font face a des demandes toujours croissantes et a des ressources qui ne suivent pas.

Une inégalité genrée méconnue : Les filles représentent 45 % des joueuses, mais leur addiction passe souvent inaperçue. Elles jouent à des jeux narratifs, pour échapper à l’anxiété ou à la dépression, sans conflits visibles. « Personne ne voyait que je jouais 10 heures par jour. Pour mes parents, c’était juste un jeu de fille, pas une addiction. » — Marine, 16 ans

2. L’urgence d’interventions efficaces

Les solutions existent, et elles sont validées scientifiquement :

1. Thérapies cognitivo-comportementales (TCC) :

• Recommandées par l’OMS, elles réduisent les symptômes de 60 à 70 % en 3 à 6 mois.
• « La TCC m’a appris à identifier mes déclencheurs et à trouver des alternatives. Maintenant, je reprends le contrôle. » — Thomas, 18 ans

2. Implication familiale :

• Les programmes comme la thérapie multidimensionnelle familiale divisent par deux le risque de rechute .
• « Grâce à mes parents, qui ont compris mon addiction et m’ont soutenu, j’ai pu retourner à l’école. » — Emma, 15 ans

3. Littératie numérique et prévention scolaire :

• Les jeunes formés à la gestion des écrans et à la pensée critique ont 40 % moins de risques de développer une addiction .
• « Savoir comment fonctionnent les algorithmes m’a aidé à moins dépendre des réseaux sociaux. » — Lucas, 16 ans

4. Environnements sécurisés :

• Les cures de "détox numérique" et les espaces sans écran (camps de vacances, ateliers artistiques) permettent de rompre le cycle de l’addiction.

3. Le rôle clé des politiques publiques : actions urgentes

1. Créer un réseau européen de centres spécialisés : inspirés du modèle ReConnecte en suisse, avec des équipes formées et certifiées.
2. Former les professionnels :

• Intégrer l’UPI dans les cursus de médecine, psychologie, et travail social.
• Organiser des sessions de formation continue pour les professionnels en poste, en collaboration avec l’OMS et les universités.

3. Sensibiliser le grand public :

• Lancer des campagnes nationales pour briser les tabous et informer sur les ressources disponibles
• Impliquer les écoles dans la prévention, avec des ateliers sur la gestion des écrans et la santé mentale.

4. Intégrer la littératie numérique dans les programmes scolaires :

• 10 heures/an, de la primaire au lycée, pour apprendre aux jeunes à comprendre les algorithmes, gérer leur temps d’écran, et adopter une citoyenneté numérique responsable.
• Former les enseignants.

5. Renforcer les politiques de prévention et de régulation :

• Négocier avec les géants du numérique pour des gardes-fous stricts : limites de temps d’écran, interdiction des dark patterns, transparence des algorithmes.
• Soutenir le développement de Recommendations européennes sur l’addiction en ligne, en intégrant une approche genrée pour ne laisser aucun jeune de côté.

Mesdames et Messieurs, Imaginez un monde où chaque jeune, chaque adulte, peut naviguer sur Internet sans risquer de perdre le contrôle de sa vie. Un monde où les écrans sont des outils d’émancipation, et non des pièges. Pourtant, la réalité est bien différente.

Ces citoyens demandent :

• Une chance de comprendre les dangers du numérique.
• Un accompagnement quand ils en ont besoin.
• Des alternatives pour se reconnecter à la vie réelle.

Deux piliers indissociables : soigner ET prévenir. Il faut :

Des centres de soins spécialisés certifiés et inclusifs pour traiter les addictions en ligne.

Prévenir, c’est éviter que des milliers de jeunes ne basculent dans l’addiction. Pour cela, il faut former une génération de citoyens numériques responsables.

Je vous remercie.

Distinguished Ministers, Esteemed Colleagues,

This session forces us to confront the truth: digital addiction is no longer emerging.

It is a full-scale public health and security challenge for Europe. And no country, including Romania, is fully prepared for the speed and scale of these risks.

The assessments presented today on online gaming and gambling harms, MedSPAD prevention tools and new digital drug phenomena confirm what we see on the ground: our response systems are analogue, while our children live in a hyper-digital world.

The World Health Organization’s message is clear. Mental health resilience now depends on safe online behaviour. Without decisive political action, we risk losing a generation to digital dependency and predatory design.

Romania’s data shows how urgent this is:

• Children access to social media starts at age 5.
• Almost half of minors spend more than six hours a day online.
• More than half of our teens report problematic social media use.

This is not “screen time” or “youth culture.” It is a structural vulnerability that demands a structural political response.

The Terms of Reference for the MSI-OnAD Committee are not procedural: they are the foundation for Europe’s first standard-setting body on digital addictions.

Allow me to outline what Romania believes must follow.

First, Europe needs a shared vision for digital resilience. As the DSA created common rules for platforms, we now need common rules for youth protection and addiction prevention.

Second, we need a new generation of prevention tools. Evidence-based, trauma-informed and co-designed with young people. Digital addiction evolves fast, and our responses must evolve with it.

Third, responsibility must be placed where it belongs. Government action is essential, but platform design is decisive. If we do not address design-driven addiction mechanisms, we will only manage symptoms, not causes.

Colleagues, Europe has the expertise and legitimacy to lead globally on digital addiction policy. What we need now is alignment and courage.

Romania’s late King Michael once said he viewed today’s Romania as an inheritance from our parents, but as a country that we borrowed from our children.

Our responsibility is clear: to build a digital environment that strengthens our children, not one that exploits their vulnerabilities.

We stand ready to work with all Member States to ensure a catalyst for real change.

Thank you.

It is a pleasure to address you today on the important topic of risks and harms related to online addictions, included in the Pompidou Group’s mandate following the adoption of the new statute under the Portuguese Presidency.

We very much welcome the political commitment to effective policies on digital addictions, as outlined in the Political Declaration and the 2026–2029 Work Programme, that we will adopt tomorrow.

Portugal has long pursued a multidisciplinary, balanced, evidence-based approach to drugs and addictive behaviours. Our National Plan includes concrete measures to address online addictions, with particular attention to children and adolescents. We implement prevention programmes promoting awareness and healthy digital habits, and adolescents can access prevention consultations. In the field of care, the Referral Network provides early intervention and facilities access to healthcare for young people and their families.

Alongside several Member States, and under the Pompidou Group’s coordination, Portugal participates in the project “Healthier Youth” that will provide national authorities with evidence, tools and strategies for implementing concrete actions in the fields of prevention and treatment.

A key national objective associated with this project is the establishment of a National Forum on Gambling, Internet, and Video Games, bringing together public and private stakeholders to reduce risks and harms.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I warmly congratulate Austria and the Check Republic on their Election to the Presidency and Mexico on its election to the Vice-Presidency for 2026-2029. I also welcome Spain on its accession to the Pompidou Group, confident that its participation will enrich our collective work.

To conclude, I reiterate Portugal’s commitment to the Pompidou Group mission of promoting human rights, while fostering open and constructive debate to strengthen cooperation across our countries.

Thank you.

Excellencies, distinguished Ministers & delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honor for Greece to address this Meeting on the issue of digital addictions, which is a growing health challenge with profound effects on mental health, cognitive function, and social well-being, particularly among young people.

In Greece, the scale of this challenge is evident. In 2024, 60% of adults engaged in gambling, and among students, 36% had gambled in the past year, with most doing so online. Gaming is even more widespread, with 80% of students playing digital games in the past month. Social media use is similarly intense, with 47% of students showing high-risk patterns.

Digital addiction can appear at any age. It most often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, when the brain is still developing, and vulnerability is high. It can disrupt decision-making, memory, impulse control, and emotional regulation. As a result, young people may experience withdrawal, depression, decline, and deception in many aspects. These behaviors often lead to mental health issues as well as substance use.

Recognizing the high psychosocial cost of digital addiction, Greece has taken coordinated action. Prevention plays a key role through the operation of 75 Prevention Centers, which offer services targeting addictive behaviors and dependencies in every city across Greece, for young people and adolescents.

Moreover, 23 Multifunctional Addiction Treatment Centers provide primary support for legal addictions, including digital addiction. At the same time, there are two helplines where individuals can receive information, psychological support, counseling, and referrals to treatment programs for digital addictions.

A major new initiative is the establishment of the National Observatory for the Prevention and Early Intervention of Digital Addiction, a nationwide initiative that monitors, prevents, and intervenes in digital addiction, focusing on adolescents and young adults through educational programs, awareness campaigns, counselling, and e-support platforms.

Greece is committed to a comprehensive strategy for the prevention and treatment of digital addiction, particularly among young people. Today, more than ever, we must build strong protective mechanisms and act collectively to address digital addiction, which has become one of the defining addiction treatment challenges of our time.

Thank you.

En tant que président du Comité des États parties à la Convention MEDICRIME, je souhaite rappeler combien cet instrument international est essentiel pour lutter contre le trafic de produits médicaux falsifiés et contre le détournement de médicaments à des fins notamment addictives — en particulier dans un contexte où les risques en ligne augmentent.

Je constate cependant qu'à ce jour, seuls 15 États du Conseil de l'Europe ont ratifié la Convention MEDICRIME. C'est pourquoi je lance un appel solennel à tous les pays représentés lors de cette conférence ministérielle : rejoignez-nous dans ce combat en adhérant à ce traité indispensable.

La Convention MEDICRIME est aujourd’hui le seul traité pénal international dédié à la prévention, la criminalisation et la répression des produits médicaux falsifiés. Mais son champ couvre aussi un phénomène qui connaît une expansion rapide : le détournement de médicaments légitimes, notamment psychotropes, antidépresseurs, anxiolytiques et antalgiques opioïdes, à des fins d’usage abusif et non médical.

Ce détournement est désormais fortement alimenté par les environnements numériques. Les réseaux sociaux, les plateformes de messagerie chiffrée, le dark web ou encore certaines places de marché en ligne jouent un rôle clé dans l’accès, la promotion et parfois la normalisation de l’usage détourné de médicaments.

Ces circuits criminels exploitent les failles des systèmes de santé et les vulnérabilités des usagers, en particulier les plus jeunes. Ils sont capables d’identifier des chaînes d’approvisionnement, de détourner des stocks via la corruption ou le vol, et d’acheminer ces produits dans les zones où la demande est forte — parfois en créant eux-mêmes cette demande via des stratégies de marketing clandestin ou d’influence en ligne.

Ces pratiques entraînent des risques majeurs pour la santé : dépendances sévères, overdoses, interactions dangereuses, et exposition à des produits falsifiés ou altérés échappant à tout contrôle sanitaire. Elles contribuent aussi aux ruptures d’approvisionnement, privant de nombreux patients d’un accès indispensable à leur traitement.

La Convention Medicrime prévoit des incriminations précises, des moyens d’enquête adaptés, des outils de coopération internationale, ainsi que la possibilité de saisir les avoirs criminels. À ce titre, elle constitue un levier essentiel pour répondre aux risques et aux dommages liés aux addictions en ligne, dès lors que celles-ci impliquent des médicaments détournés ou falsifiés.

Enfin, la coopération avec le Groupe Pompidou est fondamentale. Ensemble, nous pouvons mieux comprendre les dynamiques numériques qui favorisent l’addiction, renforcer la prévention, et coordonner une réponse pénale et sanitaire efficace. La Convention Medicrime n’est pas seulement un outil de lutte contre la falsification des produits médicaux: c’est aussi un instrument clé pour protéger les citoyens contre les dérives addictives alimentées par les environnements en ligne.

It is a pleasure to be here and to contribute to this important discussion. Thank you for the invitation.

My name is Nicola Muccioli, and I am the Director of San Marino’s Financial Intelligence Unit. I also have the honour of serving as the Chair of MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe’s monitoring body responsible for assessing compliance with international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

Today’s discussion is particularly timely. In this era of rapid technological change, we see new challenges in the fight against money laundering, and financing of terrorism and financing of proliferation financing. The rapid expansion of the digital environment offers not only new opportunities for entertainment and innovation, but also new avenues for sophisticated financial crime. It is transforming the way criminals operate while placing new burdens on competent national authorities.

Importantly, emerging technologies are creating new avenues for the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly users struggling with online addictions. Criminals may coerce or manipulate such individuals into conducting transactions that launder or conceal the origins of illicit funds.

This creates a two-fold concern. First, it increasingly blurs the lines between lawful and unlawful online activity. Second, it links financial crime directly to social harm and exploitation. Ensuring that the appropriate safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable users is therefore essential.

Recognising these challenges, MONEYVAL is preparing an updated Typology Report on the use of virtual assets, for many of you commonly known as ‘crypto currency’ and virtual asset service providers in the laundering of criminal property.

Preliminary findings indicate that while jurisdictions have made significant progress in the regulation and supervision of this sector, the rapid pace of technological change continues to generate new risks.

Most MONEYVAL members have now conducted national or sectoral risk assessments to understand the risks associated with virtual assets. This reflects a growing recognition that online gaming and gambling platforms, virtual marketplaces, and digital payment services are emerging high-risk sectors. However, the depth and scope of these assessments vary, and notable gaps remain.

Among the emerging threats identified, MONEYVAL members report the misuse of virtual assets for fraud schemes, money-mulling, sanctions evasion, proliferation financing, and child exploitation. For example, investment scams, Ponzi schemes, and romance frauds are often used to persuade victims to transfer virtual assets to offenders.

The integration of virtual assets into online gaming further increases vulnerabilities. In-game purchases, tokens, and cash-out mechanisms can be misused to transfer value across borders with limited regulatory visibility. The growing ecosystem of anonymity-enhancing tools also makes it increasingly difficult for authorities to trace the origins of illicit funds.

Countries’ ability to recognise and integrate these risks into national assessments is thus crucial to ensure their AML/CFT frameworks remain effective. There is a need for continued training for investigators, regulators and supervisors, as well as tailored guidance on emerging technologies, particularly platforms enabling the conversion between virtual and real-world value.

More broadly, addressing these online risks requires a coordinated approach involving financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, digital-services regulators, supervisory authorities, prosecutors, industry representatives, and child-protection authorities. Strong public–private partnerships and international cooperation are also indispensable.

MONEYVAL can play a vital role in guiding members as they navigate these challenges, by identifying evolving risks, highlighting vulnerabilities, and recommending key action. While we continue to observe a high level of commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, important shortcomings remain, especially in relation to new and developing technologies. Through its mutual evaluations and follow-up processes, MONEYVAL will continue to stress the need for comprehensive and up-to-date assessments of the online ecosystem.

Lastly, addressing these threats also requires close cooperation across the Council of Europe. I commend the Pompidou Group’s important work in addressing the risks associated with online gaming and gambling in recent years.

I wish you a productive session. Thank you for your attention.

I would like to begin by thanking the Pompidou Group for organising this Ministerial Conference and for inviting me to contribute today.

As a young person myself, I understand and share many of the challenges that young people across Europe have faced growing up in a post-pandemic world.

Young people today are struggling with the core elements of transitioning into adulthood: moving from education into work, accessing affordable housing, and achieving a basic level of life satisfaction. These barriers are shaping how an entire generation sees its future.

We also know that the ages between 18 and 30 are crucial for forming identity, values, and political attitudes. The socioeconomic pressures we are facing today will not simply disappear but will have long-term effects on how young people view and engage with politics.

 Recent data helps us understand this. In the Encompass Europe study on trust in democracies, both Greece — where I am from — and the UK — where I live — score among the lowest in Europe. Trust in parliament and political parties stands at just 2.7 out of 10 in Greece, and 3.1 in the UK.

And it’s not just political institutions. Trust in media has also collapsed. According to the latest World Values Survey, only 8% of Gen Z in the UK say they place strong trust in the press to deliver accurate information.

These numbers reflect a deeper feeling among young people that core democratic institutions are not working for them and that their concerns are not being taken seriously.

And while overall levels of trust in democracy are falling, the rise of certain technologies and the amplification of digital addictions have played a major role in accelerating that decline.

This loss of trust has pushed young people away from traditional media and towards alternative sources of information most notably social media, which has now become their primary news source.

That shift carries serious consequences. The traditional role of editors and journalists, people who verified information and curated what reached the public has been replaced by algorithms that decide what users see, often prioritising engagement over accuracy.

However Social media platforms, which now function as the main news providers for an entire generation, are built around addictive features such as doom-scrolling, autoplay, and constant notifications designed to keep people online.

The time children spend on social media has more than doubled since 2010 to around three hours a day according to the EU. And according to Ofcom, for 18–24-year-olds the average is far higher spending online over six hours a day, the equivalent of a part-time job.

This generation has been born digital by default. Accessing these services is not optional; it is necessary. It is how young people communicate with their peers, their families, how they consume information, and increasingly how they study or work.

And while the internet can offer enormous benefits from connection, creativity, knowledge, discovery it can also cause significant harm when left unregulated.

Additionally, a wider loss of trust in government and political institutions has contributed to scepticism about regulating online spaces. Many young people feel that governments are incapable of dealing with the complexity of the online regulatory ecosystem.

But the reality is that these technologies have never been neutral. For most of young people’s lives, platforms operated with minimal oversight. This meant children and teenagers had easy, unfiltered access to harmful material including polarising content, violent material, and other forms of damaging content. Exposure during these formative years has profound consequences for how they see themselves, society, and politics.

The algorithms behind platforms that young people are using for hours per day and are increasingly becoming the main platform for news are not designed to prioritise balance or accuracy. They are designed to maximise engagement. That means what rises to the top of feeds is often what is most extreme, emotive, or divisive; and nothing drives engagement like extreme or polarising content.

And this is the context in which new voters are emerging. In the next election, with a lot of countries lowering the voting age, 16-year-olds will be voting who were born just five years after the creation of Facebook. The core voting group would have grown up entirely in this ecosystem.

So, when we discuss legislation whether through the EU’s Digital Services Act, the Online Safety Act in the UK, or other national frameworks it is important not to focus solely on content moderation. We must also examine the foundations: the design choices, the business models, and the functionalities that contribute significantly to the harm caused.

When we also look at addictions, we shouldn’t just focus simply on the time young people spend online but rather on the effect these services have on them. Instead, the deeper concern should be the impact that addictive by design systems have on their identity development and their beliefs.

The harmful design choices combine with the amount of time people spend online shape not only what young people see but how they think, how they interact, and how they form opinions. This makes it even more important to equip young people with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex digital environment.

That is why investing in media literacy across education is essential. It is one of the most effective tools we have to ensure that young people can critically assess the information they encounter, understand the risks, and participate safely and confidently in the digital world.

Regulating online spaces is not just about keeping people safe online it’s about safeguarding the future of our democracies and the trust that holds them together.

Excellencies, Ministers, distinguished delegates,

I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe and to contribute a youth perspective to today’s discussion on online addictions. The Advisory Council (CCJ) is the non-governmental partner in the Council of Europe’s co-management system, working with member States to take joint decisions on youth policy in the Joint Committee on Youth. Bringing together 30 youth organisation representatives from across Europe, it advises the Committee of Ministers on all matters concerning youth and ensures that youth perspectives are integrated into the Council of Europe’s policies, priorities and programmes.

I would like to begin with a fundamental point: our approach must remain firmly rights-based. Under Article 11 of the European Social Charter, and related rights guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights, young people have the right to the protection of their health. Online addictions and harmful digital environments affect mental well-being, personal development and young people’s ability to participate fully in society. This principle is echoed in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Addressing online addictions is therefore not only necessary—it is a responsibility.

Across Europe, youth work already contributes through non-formal education, safe spaces, and supportive relationships that strengthen resilience, critical thinking, and healthier digital habits. Youth work, as defined by the Council of Europe, covers a broad range of social, cultural, educational, and political activities carried out by, with, and for young people. Rooted in non-formal learning and voluntary participation, it empowers young people to engage actively in their communities and in decision making. The youth sector supports quality youth work by helping member states develop effective policies and training, guided by Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)4 and its roadmap. Yet youth work alone cannot “cure” online addictions; youth workers cannot replace mental-health professionals, nor can they address structural causes such as loneliness, lack of support, or platforms designed to maximise engagement. A comprehensive, whole-of-society approach—combining education, regulation, support services and community engagement—is essential.

Stronger regulation and protection frameworks are needed, especially regarding the digital services young people use daily. But regulation alone is not sufficient. Young people also need accessible, reliable information about digital risks and about available online interventions and tools for self-help or professional support. Our cooperation with ERYICA—the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency—shows how youth-friendly information services can empower young people to navigate digital and social environments safely. Through the Council of Europe’s long-standing partnership with ERYICA, we advance quality youth information policy and practice, guided by the European Youth Information Charter, and support member states with tools, training, and awareness initiatives.

Education—both formal and non-formal—remains essential. To truly equip young people to make informed decisions, recognise risks, and manage their digital lives in healthy ways, we need evidence-informed educational programmes and resources that reflect their real experiences. Strengthening these programmes will ensure that the skills we promote are practical, relevant, and effective in supporting their wellbeing.

The youth sector has developed a wide range of tools and standards that can support national strategies, including the Council of Europe’s Youth Work Portfolio, the Recommendation on Youth Work, the Digital Citizenship Education framework and handbook, the partnership with ERYICA on youth information, and human-rights education tools such as Compass and Bookmarks. These instruments help build digital resilience, strengthen mental well-being, and ensure that youth participation remains central to policy responses.

Allow me to conclude with a simple message. The challenges of online addictions cannot be addressed by any single actor. They require cooperation, coherence, and the meaningful inclusion of young people in shaping solutions. We stand ready to contribute our experience, our tools, and our perspective, and we invite all partners to strengthen collaboration with the Youth Department and the Advisory Council on Youth in this shared effort to combat the risks and harms related to online addictions.

Thank you.

There are moments when the voices of the youngest among us resonate not as an echo, but as a guiding light. The Prevention Prize is one of those moments — an opportunity for us to listen, to learn and to honour the creativity, courage and their wishes as young people who act for the well-being of their peers.

The origins of the Prevention Prize goes back to 2004, when the Helsinki Conference on “Targeted Drug Prevention – reaching young people in the community” made a compelling case: prevention efforts become more effective, more relevant and more inspiring when young people themselves are involved.

Participation is not only a principle — it is a right, enshrined in numerous international legal instruments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is also a condition for meaningful learning: a young person who feels connected to their environment, who feels their voice matters, is empowered to shape their values, their decisions and their contributions to society. Today’s young people enjoy the legal right to be heard in all matters that affect their lives — and the Prevention Prize embodies that right.

 Since its creation in 2004, the Prize has been awarded nine times. In each edition, winning projects were selected not by adults, but by a jury of young people. This has always been the distinctive hallmark of the Prize: young people choosing the initiatives that speak most directly to their experience.

Over time, the Prize has grown with us. In 2010, it expanded beyond the Pompidou Group to include all Council of Europe member States. In 2012, it opened further to the countries of MedNET. And today, with the 2025 edition, we count a remarkable 473 applications since the Prize first began — each one a testament to the dedication of young activists, peer educators and community organisations around the world.

This year also marks an important renewal. Earlier in 2025, the Terms of Reference of the Prize were updated to align with the Pompidou Group’s evolving mandate:

I. The Prize was renamed from the European Drug Prevention Prize to the broader Pompidou Group Prevention Prize, reflecting our global membership and our expanded focus to include behavioural addictions.

II. The age range of jurors was adjusted to 18–25 years, ensuring both maturity and lived proximity to youth realities.

III. The award value was increased to €6 000 per winning project, recognising the impact and responsibility carried by these initiatives.

Our 2025 Jury consists of seven young members, selected through an open call. Applicants had to be 18–25 years old, fluent in English, and able to demonstrate genuine experience in prevention, youth participation, peer work in relevant to the Prize areas. The Secretariat carried out the selection with the support of the Jury’s independent consultant advisor.

And now, dear colleagues, before meeting this year’s winners, I invite you to join us in watching a short video that gives an insight into the jury's deliberations, their discussions and their journey to evaluating the numerous inspiring applications received.

Serving as a jury member for the Pompidou Group’s Prevention Prize 2025 has been a truly meaningful experience for me.

To be honest, when I first signed up for this opportunity, I was a little nervous when I realised that the whole concept of the prize is young people for young people. It immediately reminded me of something I have always truly believed: young people are not only the future, they are the present itself. Their voices matter now, their actions matter now, and their ideas can shape communities today.

The discussions within the jury were thoughtful and enriching because we all shared the desire to honour projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. What impressed me most was the courage and innovation shown by the applicants, many of whom work directly with vulnerable communities and often with limited resources. I am grateful to the Pompidou Group for creating a space where these efforts can be recognised and celebrated.

The first prize goes to Gabinete de Apoio Psicossocial, a project that stood out to the jury for its strong commitment to early intervention and holistic support. Its multidisciplinary approach, community involvement, and measurable impact make it a model that could be replicated in other contexts. It is my pleasure to introduce Gabinete de Apoio Psicossocial, presented today by Ms Catarina Veríssimo Baptista Correia.

The second prize is awarded to Sistema Cyprus, a project that deeply impressed the jury with its creative and inclusive methodology. We especially appreciated the project’s emphasis on inclusion and its capacity to inspire confidence and personal development through artistic engagement. I am delighted to introduce Sistema Cyprus, represented today by Ms Nikoletta Polydorou.

The third prize is awarded to CRISSCROSS, an innovative project focused on strengthening communication, prevention knowledge, and peer-support networks The jury valued the project’s participatory design, the practical tools it provides to young people, and its strong potential to reduce risk behaviours through informed decision-making. I am pleased to introduce CRISSCROSS, presented today by Ms Bruna Viatico.

Honourable representatives of the Pompidou Group, ladies and gentlemen,

Before I begin, I would like to apologize for my limited English and thank you for your patience and for the opportunity to share our work.

It is an honour to be here representing the Psychosocial Support Office, a project of GATO Association, funded by ICAD, the Portuguese Institute on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies. This award amplifies the voices of the children, young people, and families at the heart of our work.

Our project was born from a clear need. Faro is a small city, but deeply unequal. In some neighbourhoods, social vulnerability, exposure to risk behaviours, and lack of continuous support create constant social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Every day, we work with children, youth, and families facing difficulties.

Our mission is simple: to promote personal and social skills, strengthen protective factors, and reduce risks through human, close, and tailored intervention. The essence of our work is simple: there is no change without relationships, and no relationship without proximity.

The jury recognised three key aspects of our work:

1. The technical quality of intervention;
2. Our inclusive approach;
3. And the active participation of young people.

For us, young people are not recipients but partners and protagonists.

Youth participation has real impact: • In summer camps, they act as monitors; • In sports, they help enforce rules and promote inclusion; • In awareness sessions, they guide topics through anonymous questions; • As volunteers or interns, they support study and build autonomy.

They also identify at-risk peers and become bridges between the project and those who need support—something only possible through trust.

Our work is not only therapeutic or educational; it has a crucial social dimension. We know that without basic needs—food, housing, documentation, stability—no intervention can have real impact. This is why social assistance and strong partnerships are essential.

We already see clear impact: • 100% of adolescents show improvements in decision-making and communication; • 64% reduction in school failure and absenteeism; • 71% of children show improvements in self-esteem and social skills.

But the most important impact cannot be measured:

• They feel they belong;
• They feel they matter;
• They feel part of the solution.

This is what truly changes lives.

Prevention happens when there is a relationship. Change happens when there is trust. Impact becomes lasting when young people participate meaningfully.

Before I finish, I would like to thank: • The Pompidou Group; • The GATO Association; • the President and ICAD, Dr. João Goulão; • Our technical team; • And especially the children, youth, and families for their trust.

Thank you very much.

Good evening,

I’d like to invite you to imagine a child who has never held an instrument… and the moment they realise they can create beauty, that they do belong, and that they do have a voice.

At Sistema Cyprus, we see this moment every day, in children who are migrants, refugees, or growing up in poverty in at-risk neighbourhoods. Music is our method, but dignity is our goal.

Since 2017, more than 500 children and young people have been part of Sistema Cyprus. They spend 4–7 hours every week in our free orchestral music programmes in Nicosia and Larnaca.

Many of them face multiple risk factors: social exclusion, trauma, discrimination, instability.

Instead of talking to them about drugs, we work on the conditions that make substances less attractive: belonging, purpose, hope, community.

We are deeply honoured that the Pompidou Group has recognised this approach as a prevention programme. In Cyprus, we are officially licensed by the National Addictions Authority. And today, to be awarded here by the Council of Europe, is a strong message: The arts are not a luxury; they are a powerful tool for prevention and social change.

This is not only a milestone for us, but a great honour for Cyprus, demonstrating that even a small country can contribute important innovation to Europe.

The real power of Sistema Cyprus lives in the young people who, every day, choose the orchestra over the street, creation over despair, and connection over isolation.

So tonight, I am proud to share this moment with one of them. Haider, an alumnus of Sistema Cyprus and a double bass player, now here in Strasbourg continuing his musical journey. He carries not only his own dream, but the hopes of many children in Cyprus.

My name is Haider Naji. I am a double bass player, and an alumnus of Sistema Cyprus.

My first experience with Sistema Cyprus was in 2018. A friend told me that a new orchestra was opening and suggested I should join. At first, I was hesitant; I didn’t know if it was for me. But I went, and I can proudly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Being part of an orchestra filled with people who shared similar experiences gave me hope and the motivation to keep going. Playing alongside my closest friends made the journey even more meaningful. Sistema Cyprus offered me patience, a sense of belonging, confidence and, above all, a home and a foundation.

I’m currently studying in the Conservatory of Strasbourg in preparation to study double bass.

Looking at the younger generation of Sistema Cyprus, all I can feel is how lucky I am to be in a position to inspire the youth; to be a role model for them, who are now in the same place where I once stood. As a child, I would have never imagined that I would one day be in this position. Yet here I am, living a dream that began with a single opportunity.

The orchestra gave me more than music. It gave me structure. It gave me confidence. It gave me a team, a family, that pushed me to grow, to dream, and to keep going even when life felt heavy.

Through music, I learned discipline, patience, and the power of working together. And gradually, something in me changed. I began to see a future for myself, not just as a musician, but as a person with purpose. So, when you, as policymakers and experts, invest in programmes like Sistema Cyprus, please know this:

You are not only preventing the use of substances. You are giving us something far stronger to hold on to: a community, a purpose, and a future.

On behalf of all the children and young people of Sistema Cyprus, thank you for seeing the value of this work, thank you for recognising that prevention can also sound like an orchestra.

Thank you.

Good afternoon everyone. We at Kosmicare are honored to accept this award, thank you so much to the Pompidou group for this recognition. We feel very fortunate, and are excited to move forward with renewed resources to fight for the safety and equitable inclusion of all.

Although we are accepting this award on behalf of Kosmicare and the CRISSCROSS project that was developed and implemented in Portugal, this project was part of a broader European collaboration. So we thank not only the Pompidou group for this award, which assures we are heading in the right direction, but we would also like to thank all of our partners, who helped assure a wider scope of impact through their partnership, with the Portuguese CRISSCROSS project alone having reached over 11000 people, shared over 8000 informative materials, and educated over 250 professionals.

The CRISSCROSS project focuses on urgent, understudied issues, which are also severely lacking in responses - gender based violence and safe drug use practices. Our project is aimed at younger communities, aged between 18 and 25 years old, and focuses on nightlife settings, such as music festivals and clubs, which present as a high risk context for gbv and substance use related harm. CRISSCROSS responds to identified gaps in drug and GBV literacy, through youth-led involvement and training for professionals and bystanders, and applies systemic prevention strategies to promote safer and more inclusive spaces. By being peer-led, our initiatives increased partygoers' trust, reduced stigma, and encouraged help-seeking behaviours, fostering autonomy within young communities.

A standout consideration of this project was recognizing the gender based violence suffered by queer individuals. Not only were young people involved in every step of the way, we made sure to specifically include trans and nonbinary youth who, following women and girls, are main targets for violence and face specific challenges.

I, myself, am a young, queer person who was involved in the investigation, training and creation of materials for CRISSCROSS, and I am personally grateful for this project, for the Kosmicare team, and their empowering, truly inclusive work. Although our team benefits from public funding, it is sparse and never enough, considering the urgency and breadth of response the issues at hand call for. This award will allow Kosmicare to give continuity to the CRISSCROSS project, and to implement more initiatives with the target communities. This includes broadening the Kosmicare physical space and investing in our team, through adding more peers and propelling further training.

So, again, we thank the Pompidou group for this incredible help - it is an honour to accept this award on behalf of Kosmicare.

Director General Esposito, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates and Colleagues,

Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the outgoing Presidency, Switzerland, and to its predecessor, Italy, for their prudent and successful leadership over the past three years.

Their work has created the conditions that Austria now finds in place. It is thanks to the strong commitment of the Bureau of the Pompidou Group and the Permanent Correspondents, supported so effectively by the former Executive Secretariat under the leadership of the recently retired Denis Huber and his entire team – and now continued under the current direction of Ardita Abdiu – that we can build on a solid foundation.

Austria steps into large footsteps through its election, and we will make every effort to continue these achievements and to implement the ambitious work program for 2026 to 2029 within the framework of the shared Presidency.

It is a great honour for us, together with the support of the Vice-Presidency of Mexico, to assume shared responsibility for the implementation of this program. We will do so as a team with the Members of the Bureau, all the Permanent Correspondents and the Secretariat, in accordance with the adopted decisions on the work program.

At this point, I wish to acknowledge expressly the long-standing member France, which has completed its term on the Bureau of the Pompidou Group now. For many years, France, represented with great dedication by Laura d’Arrigo, contributed actively to the Group’s deliberations and also held the Presidency of the Pompidou Group during its mandate from 2010 to 2014.

We are also particularly pleased to welcome Spain’s re-entry into the Pompidou Group. This step not only deepens international cooperation, but also strengthens and reaffirms the role of the Pompidou Group both in the region and far beyond.

Austria looks forward to placing the values of the Council of Europe at the heart of drug and addiction policies and to contributing fully to the objectives of the Pompidou Group, namely addressing emerging challenges, reinforcing core values rooted in human rights and democratic principles, and fostering cooperation on all level.
In this context, Austria attaches particular importance to strengthening human rights, advancing the work on digital addictions, consolidating the Law Enforcement Conference in its proven format as a platform for regular exchange, and further expanding the International Drug Policy Academy.

Austria also notes with concern the link identified between drug use and violence against women. This connection has been highlighted with increasing clarity, and Austria welcomes that GREVIO, the Council of Europe’s independent expert body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, will engage more closely with this topic in the coming years. The today´s presence of the chair of GREVIO, Madam Maria-Andriani KOSTOPOULOU, underlines the importance of addressing these intersecting challenges in a coordinated and human rights-based manner.

Austria is ready to take on the upcoming challenges for the new programme cycle. Again, we want to express our gratitude for the trust placed in us and for our yesterday´s election to this role.

We assure you that, in close cooperation with the Secretariat of the Pompidou Group and with the support of the Secretariat General, in particular the Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment, Rafael Benitez, we will work closely with all Permanent Correspondents to advance the projects under our responsibility in the years 2026 and 2027 and, wherever possible, to bring them to successful completion.

As we prepare for the shared Presidency that will guide the Pompidou Group through the coming work cycle, it is my honour to be able to invite Czechia to take the floor and share its vision for the period that lies ahead.

Madam President, distinguished Ministers, colleagues,

Mexico is pleased to receive the 2026–2029 Work Programme, which reflects strategic priorities that align closely with the challenges our country and region is facing. We particularly welcome the emphasis on synthetic drugs, chemical precursors, organised crime and new forms of digital and behavioural addictions, as well as the programme’s strong commitment to human rights, public health and meaningful international cooperation.

In this spirit, Mexico is pleased to announce that, as part of our Vice-Presidency, we plan to host next year a technical meeting jointly with the CICAD-OAS. This meeting will focus specifically on the synthetic drug phenomenon, including the physical and chemical examination of precursors, laboratory methodologies, chemical profiling, and tools to strengthen precursor controls and prevent diversion. This initiative aligns directly with Priority 6.4 of the Work Programme regarding high-potency synthetic substances and emerging drug mixtures.

It also connects naturally with the Guidelines on Combating Organised Crime Related to Drug Trafficking, especially in the areas of financial disruption, special investigative techniques, and international cooperation mechanisms grounded in human rights.

Mexico reiterates its strong commitment to supporting a work cycle that deepens Europe–Latin America cooperation and strengthens our collective capacity to confront the rapidly evolving global drug landscape.

Thank you.

Excellences,

Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres et Secrétaires d’Etats,

Très chers collègues,

Merci beaucoup de vous joindre à nous pour la deuxième journée de cette importante conférence ministérielle. Hier, nous avons eu le privilège de passer en revue les réalisations remarquables du Groupe Pompidou tout au long du cycle de travail 2023-2025. Ensemble, nous avons discuté des progrès collectifs accomplis pour renforcer la coopération internationale, la promotion de politiques en matière de drogues et d’addictions fondées sur les preuves scientifiques et les échanges entre nos États membres.

Nous allons maintenant nous concentrer sur l'un des aspects les plus importants de notre travail : l'intégration des droits humains dans les politiques en matière de drogues et d’addiction. Il s'agit d'une responsabilité fondamentale que nous partageons toutes et tous pour façonner un avenir où la dignité, la santé et les droits des individus sont respectés, en particulier ceux des personnes les plus vulnérables. L’intégration des droits de l’Homme n’est toutefois pas seulement un impératif éthique. Nous sommes en effet convaincus qu’il s’agit de la seule façon de s’assurer que nos politiques en matière d’addiction puissent véritablement atteindre leur but et évitant de créer des externalités négatives.

Tout au long de ce cycle de travail, le Groupe Pompidou a travaillé dur pour garantir que les droits de l'homme soient intégrés au cœur de nos cadres politiques en matière d’addictions. Le document intitulé « Guidance for Aligning Drug Policy with Human Rights » (Guide pour l'alignement des politiques en matière de drogues sur les droits de l'homme), finalisé et adopté en 2024, constitue un outil essentiel à cet égard. Ce document offre des lignes directrices complètes et concrètes aux États membres. Il encourage les gouvernements à adopter des politiques qui répondent non seulement aux défis liés à la consommation de drogues et aux addictions, mais le font dans le respect des droits fondamentaux de tous les individus. Il s'agit d'un appel à aligner nos politiques sur les normes les plus élevées en matière de dignité humaine, en mettant l'accent sur la santé, le bien-être et la sécurité des citoyens et non pas uniquement sur des mesures punitives.

Nous avons également continué à utiliser notre outil d'auto-évaluation des droits de l'homme et des politiques en matière de drogues, lancé en 2022. Cet outil a apporté un soutien précieux pour que les pays puissent évaluer eux-mêmes leurs propres politiques en matière d’addictions et identifier les domaines à améliorer en matière de droits de l’Homme. Nous nous concentrons désormais sur l'amélioration des fonctionnalités de cet outil afin qu'il reste une ressource efficace et accessible pour engendrer des progrès durables.

A cet égard, le Comité de rédaction sur les droits humains et les politiques en matière de drogues (DH-PDA) se trouve au cœur de notre travail. Cet organe, qui opère sous l'autorité du Comité directeur pour les droits humains, est chargé d'élaborer une Recommandation à l'intention des États membres sur l'alignement des politiques en matière de drogues et d’addiction sur les normes internationales relatives aux droits humains. Le travail du DH-PDA sera essentiel pour garantir que nos politiques en matière de drogues et d’addiction évoluent d'une manière à la fois juridiquement solide et éthiquement fondée.

Voilà le thème de nos discussions d'aujourd'hui. C’est donc un grand plaisir pour moi de vous présenter la Présidente du DH-PDA, qui est parmi nous aujourd'hui pour nous communiquer des informations plus détaillées sur le mandat, les objectifs et le travail essentiel de ce comité. Sous sa direction, le DH-PDA doit nous permettre de mieux aligner nos politiques nationales en matière de drogues et d’addiction sur les normes relatives aux droits de l'homme. Nos politiques doivent en effet non seulement être conformes aux obligations internationales, mais aussi être adaptés aux besoins en constante évolution de nos sociétés.

Avant de conclure, permettez-moi de réitérer l'importance de notre travail dans ce domaine. Les décisions que nous prenons aujourd'hui auront un impact considérable, non seulement sur l'avenir des politiques en matière de drogues et d’addiction en Europe, mais aussi sur la protection et la promotion des droits de l'homme dans le monde entier. En veillant à ce que nos politiques respectent la dignité humaine et défendent les droits fondamentaux des individus, nous ouvrons la voie à des réponses plus inclusives, plus humaines et plus efficaces aux problèmes liés aux drogues et à la dépendance.

Je me réjouis d'avance des discussions à venir, ainsi que de la poursuite de notre collaboration et de nos échanges d'idées, qui contribueront à orienter nos efforts collectifs dans les années à venir.

Je vous remercie donc chaleureusement, et vous invite maintenant à vous joindre à moi pour accueillir la Présidente du DH-PDA, qui va nous présenter l'important travail accompli par ce comité.

Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to speak to you today as the Chair of the Drafting Committee on Human Rights and Drug Policies (DH-PDA). As we continue our work within the Pompidou Group, our mission is clear: to ensure that human rights considerations are central to the development and reinforcement of drug and addiction policies across Europe.

At the 95th meeting of the Pompidou Group in November 2024, the Permanent Correspondents adopted the important policy document, “Guidance for Aligning Drug and Addiction Policies with Human Rights”. This document lays the foundation for integrating human rights standards into national drug policies. It urges policymakers to design and implement policies that prioritise the health, safety, and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable, while addressing the full spectrum of issues related to drug use and addiction.

This Guidance is not merely a recommendation; it is a call to action. It provides national authorities with a comprehensive framework, advocating for an approach that recognises the indivisible nature of human rights and the need to safeguard the rights of those affected by drug use, addiction, and the broader social challenges associated with substance use disorders.

Following this, the DH-PDA has already begun its critical work of translating the principles laid out in the Guidance into concrete, actionable recommendations for member states. At its 1519th meeting in February 2025, the Committee of Ministers formally adopted the Terms of Reference for the DH-PDA, tasking us with drafting a Recommendation on how to better integrate human rights into drug and addiction policies. This recommendation will draw directly from the Guidance adopted in November 2024, as well as the relevant case law from the European Court of Human Rights.

The DH-PDA operates under the authority of the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH), and we are committed to producing a robust, practical document that will help member states strengthen the human rights dimensions of their national drug policies. Our work is guided by the principles of equality, social justice, and dignity — ensuring that our approach is not only legally sound but grounded in compassion and respect for the rights of individuals.

Our drafting process is already underway and involves 13 members, each bringing specific expertise in areas such as human rights law, drug control and prevention, substance use treatment, social rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations. The diversity of expertise on the Committee ensures that our recommendations will be comprehensive, addressing the full spectrum of challenges faced by individuals affected by addiction.

As we continue this important work, we are focusing on key elements from the Guidance, such as safeguarding the right to health, promoting social reintegration, and addressing the stigma and discrimination often experienced by people who use drugs. Our goal is not just to meet legal obligations but to ensure that drug policies reflect the values of human dignity, justice, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

We recognise that aligning drug policy with human rights is not an easy task. It requires political will, collaboration, and a sustained commitment to long-term reform. It requires us to confront difficult issues such as addiction-related stigma, access to treatment, and the balancing of public health with public security. But it also presents an opportunity — an opportunity to reframe the conversation around drug use and addiction, to move away from punitive approaches and towards policies that are compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in evidence.

The DH-PDA has already held its first meeting, and we will meet again in December 2025 for the second session. During these meetings, we will continue working diligently to develop a set of recommendations that will guide our member states toward a more human rights-oriented approach to drug policy. Our work will remain collaborative, drawing input from a wide range of experts and stakeholders to ensure that the voices of those affected by drug use, as well as those who support them, are heard.

As we continue this critical work, I want to underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue and engagement with our partners, both within the Council of Europe and beyond. The Pompidou Group has long served as a platform for exchange, and we must continue to use this space to share ideas, challenges, and solutions.

In closing, let me reaffirm that the DH-PDA is committed to producing a Recommendation that will not only address the immediate needs of member states but will also provide a long-term framework for reform, ensuring that human rights remain at the heart of drug and addiction policies for years to come.

We look forward to working with all of you to make this vision a reality.

Thank you.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Over the past three years, the Pompidou Group, in partnership with the European Commission under the Technical Support Instrument, has undertaken a pioneering initiative to address the growing mental health risks linked to online gambling and gaming among children and youth. This work responds to an urgent reality: gambling and gaming disorders are recognized by the World Health Organization, and the convergence of these two activities—through features such as loot boxes and monetization mechanics—has created new vulnerabilities for young people.

Nine EU Member States—Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia—joined this project, supported by additional countries. Together, we aimed to provide scientific evidence, practical tools, and policy guidance to strengthen national responses.

What did we find?

The Situation Analysis conducted across 25 countries revealed several critical gaps. First, while all participating countries have legal frameworks for gambling, enforcement remains weak, particularly against illegal operators. Online gaming regulation is almost absent, and gambling-like features embedded in games are largely unaddressed. Second, underage access to gambling platforms persists despite age restrictions, and aggressive advertising—including influencer marketing—continues to expose minors to high-risk content.

Prevention programs exist but are fragmented, underfunded, and rarely evaluated. Treatment services for minors are scarce, often delivered within substance-use frameworks rather than tailored to behavioural addictions. Data collection is inconsistent, and there is minimal empirical evidence on the effectiveness of current policies. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.

How did we respond?

The Pompidou Group developed general guidelines that serve as overarching principles for participating countries. These guidelines promote an integrated public health approach, recognizing gambling and gaming as behavioural addictions within mental health strategies. They call for mandatory harm-reduction protocols—such as operator warnings and staff training—robust age verification systems, and strict advertising restrictions, including bans on influencer promotions.

On prevention, the guidelines advocate for multi-level, age-appropriate interventions embedded in school curricula, complemented by continuous professional training for educators and health professionals. For treatment, they recommend youth-specific protocols, validated screening tools, and digital support options. Importantly, they emphasize multi-stakeholder cooperation, including formalised collaboration with private industry under clear ethical standards, and the creation of national forums for dialogue among regulators, health authorities, NGOs, and operators.

Finally, the guidelines introduce a blueprint communication strategy co-designed with young people to ensure that awareness campaigns are relevant, inclusive, and effective.

What added value did the TSI project bring?

This initiative delivered tangible results. We produced two systematic literature reviews and a comprehensive situation analysis, generating evidence to inform policy. We organized expert workshops, developed technical papers on data collection, and reviewed international good practices. A toolbox of interventions for prevention, screening, and treatment was created, and pilot actions were launched in several countries.

We supported the design of cooperation protocols with private industry—for example, in Croatia and Portugal—and facilitated the establishment of national forums. We also developed an innovative communication strategy through a multi-disciplinary working group that included youth representatives, ensuring that our messaging reflects real-life experiences.

The project’s impact is already visible. It has informed legislative reforms, such as Czechia’s work on advertising regulation and Malta’s upcoming Gaming and Gambling Policy. It has strengthened national action plans and created a foundation for harmonized principles across diverse regulatory landscapes. Above all, it has fostered shared learning and accelerated the adoption of good practices.

In conclusion, the Pompidou Group’s work under the TSI project has set a new benchmark for addressing behavioural addictions. By combining research, regulation, prevention, treatment, and communication, we are strengthening Member States’ capacity to protect youth and promote mental health in the digital age.

Thank you.

Director General Esposito, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates and Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to present together, based on our shared Austrian and Czech Presidency supported by the Vice-Presidency of Mexico, the Pompidou Group’s Working Programme for the period 2026 to 2029. This programme builds on our commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and evidence-based policies, while addressing the evolving global and cross-border challenges of drugs and addictions in Europe and beyond to be dealt with in the coming years.

Our approach is focusing and structured essentially around six Expected Results, each supported by concrete actions and deliverables.

First, Integration of Human Rights in Drug and Addiction Policies.

We will develop comprehensive policy guidelines that embed human rights principles at the core of national strategies. A Human Rights Assessment Tool will help member States evaluate alignment with international standards. Furthermore, the Committee of Ministers will set a clear recommendation, incorporating gender equality, children’s rights, and anti-stigma measures into policy design.

Second, Comprehensive Policies and Legal Frameworks.

We will address emerging risks such as online addictions through prevention strategies and mental health promotion. Standard-setting will include a recommendation on online addictions, while new and innovative approaches will be analysed as rights-based responses to drug- or addiction-related offenses. We will also tackle diverse behaviours and substances, and promote inclusive policies that consider social determinants such as homelessness etc.

Third, Enhanced Harm Reduction and Treatment Strategies.

Our focus will be on integrating mental health and substance use disorder into harm reduction and treatment strategies. We will explore evolving and innovative therapies, including treatment and harm reduction approaches for poly-substance use.

Fourth, Reinforced International Cooperation.

We will expand partnerships with key organisations such as the EU, EUDA, UNODC, WHO, and regional networks. We will strive to strengthen the professional platforms to address issues like controlled medicines, promoting safer prescribing practices and preventing misuse as well as drugs and crime. In addition, the Pompidou Group will enhance further capacities by reinforcing its Drug Policy Academy to increase knowledge and expertise for experts and policy decision makers or stakeholders.

Fifth, Strengthening Civil Society’s Role.

Civil society participation will be empowered through structured exchanges and pilot initiatives. People with lived and living experience will be actively engaged in policy discussions, ensuring inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches in prevention and treatment.

Finally, Addressing Current and Emerging Challenges.

We will address organised crime and drug trafficking through new policy guidelines and capacity-building for law enforcement. A framework for this provides the new format of the previously installed annual Law Enforcement Conference. Responses will be developed for vulnerable populations, including migrants and asylum seekers. Targeted programmes will prevent youth recruitment by criminal networks, while guidance will address synthetic substances and precursor trafficking.

These actions will translate into tangible outcomes: improved policies, stronger human rights safeguards, better prevention and treatment, and enhanced international cooperation. Our vision is clear – a balanced approach between public health and security, grounded in human rights and the rule of law.

Thank you.

Distinguished delegates,

As the Irish Minister with responsibility for our National Drugs Strategy, it is my privilege to address this Conference.

I would like to thank Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor and the Swiss acting Presidency of the Pompidou Group, for the invitation.

I would like to confirm Irelands support for the strategic priorities in the Pompidou’s work programme. The emphasis on promoting human rights in drug policy, gender equality, addressing dual diagnosis and international cooperation is very welcome.

The Irish Government is committed to a health-led approach to drug use based on human rights, where those experiencing addiction are met with compassion and care.

We are currently developing a new drug strategy. It will be based on sound evidence, evaluation of existing policies, findings of a Citizens Assembly and EU and International developments.

Ireland is committed to an integrated approach that prioritises public health, human rights, and community safety. Our national efforts will align with the EU Drugs Strategy.

Alongside Member States, we are contributing to the EU Drugs Strategic Framework.

We have advocated for a balanced approach that prioritises the security and health of citizens and responds compassionately to people needing support.

I look forward to the EU Commission’s presentation of this strategic framework in December.

Ireland will chair the EU’s Horizontal Working Party on Drugs as part of our Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. We look forward to implementing the strategic actions alongside member states and agencies.

Our Presidency also presents an opportunity to champion Council of Europe/Pompidou priorities through our influence and engagements with international partners and the wider Council of Europe family, in addressing the global drug challenge.

I believe that by working together, upholding human rights, and relying on evidence, we can better protect the health and wellbeing of citizens and strengthen the health response to drugs.

Thank you.

Madame Chair, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,

It is an honor to take the floor in this session, which underscores our shared mission of placing human rights and dignity at the center of drug policy. For Moldova, it is a crucial opportunity to recalibrate national policies in a highly volatile regional context.

We commend the Pompidou Group for its leadership between 2023–2025 in integrating human rights into drug policy. In Moldova, these Council of Europe principles have resulted in concrete, life-saving reforms in the penitentiary system, strengthened by our long-standing cooperation since 2005 and the Group’s support in staff training and developing comprehensive healthcare services for inmates.

A prime example of this success is the "Catharsis" Therapeutic Community in Prison No. 9-Pruncul, created with your support. It stands as a regional model for humane, evidence-based treatment behind bars.

We express our strong appreciation for the Group’s scientific work on complex issues such as criminal subcultures in prisons, including the report on barriers to accessing opioid substitution treatment in Moldova’s penitentiaries.

The launch of the expert-developed e-learning course, aligned with the National Clinical Protocol and international standards, has significantly strengthened the capacity of our staff to tackle both drug use and the structures sustaining it.

At the same time, the war in Ukraine has dramatically reshaped trafficking routes, shifting flows over land and bringing a growing influx of synthetic drugs from the conflict zone. In the first 10 months of 2025, we registered an increase of nearly 23 % in drug-related crimes.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Regarding the Pompidou Group Work Programme for 26-29, the Republic of Moldova expresses its full support and wishes to highlight three national priorities that align perfectly with the directions proposed by the Group:

Our first priority is combating the "digitalization" of drug trafficking, as criminal networks have moved operations online and increasingly involve minors. Just this year, we shut down 20 encrypted online drug shops using platforms like Telegram and cryptocurrencies. Through the new Work Programme, we seek stronger cooperation on best practices and tools for DarkNet investigations and crypto-analysis.

Our second priority is public health and sustaining addiction services, as we view addiction primarily as a health issue. While funding for prevention has increased, stigma still limits access to substitution treatment. We count on the Pompidou Group’s expertise to help expand more accessible, patient-centered services, building on our successful prison-sector cooperation.

Our third priority is regional cooperation and border security, as Moldova plays a key role in preventing drug flows toward the West. We are strengthening collaboration with EUDA, Europol, and the EMPACT platform. Support is needed to equip our police with modern detection tools to manage the rising volume of parcels and transport.

I would like to highlight the crucial support provided through the Pompidou Group’s new project for 2025–2026, which represents a key element in Moldova’s European integration by supporting the development of our first comprehensive national strategy on drugs and addictions - aligning our legal and policy framework with Council of Europe and EU standards.

In conclusion, Madame Chair,

The Republic of Moldova adopts the Work Programme 2026-2029 with the conviction that only through a multidisciplinary approach can we succeed.

Our commitment is firm: zero tolerance for criminal networks, but unconditional support and empathy for the victims of drug use.

Thank you.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

Lithuania recognises the evolving challenges posed by drugs and addictions require sustained attention and coordinated efforts at both national and international levels. We strongly support a balanced and comprehensive approach that includes prevention, harm reduction, integrated treatment and recovery services and measures to reduce the supply of drugs.

Lithuania’s approach to drug policy is guided by a clear principle: every action we take must safeguard people’s rights, health, and dignity. When we talk about psychoactive substances, we are not just talking about chemicals - we are talking about human lives, families, and communities.

Our policies are firmly rooted in human rights and in the values of the Council of Europe. We strive to ensure respect for human dignity, freedom and equality, and to guarantee people’s right to education, to health and healthcare, to social protection, and to equal access to services. These are not abstract principles – they are the lens through which we design and assess our responses to addiction.

Our approach is comprehensive and strategically forward-looking. We focus on people’s safety throughout their lives - addressing needs such as prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and social inclusion. Policies are regularly reviewed and updated, drawing on international experience and the latest scientific evidence, so we can respond swiftly to emerging threats and trends. In 2023, Lithuania adopted the National Agenda on Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, Prevention, and Harm Reduction until 2035. This long-term framework is guided by principles that uphold human rights, strengthen public protection, ensure individualized interventions, deliver evidence-based services, and promote systemic policy implementation and collaboration among public authorities and relevant stakeholders.

Dear Colleagues,

Lithuania’s key message is clear: we must strengthen our common commitment and transform it into concrete, measurable and coordinated actions which respect human rights. By working together, sharing knowledge and supporting each other, we can significantly improve our collective response and build safer, healthier and more resilient societies.

Let us move forward with determination, responsibility and unity.

Thank you.

Honourable Chair,

Honourable Ministers,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Taking this opportunity, and speaking on behalf of Ukraine, I would first like to express our sincere appreciation for the Pompidou Group’s steadfast and unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of the full-scale armed aggression by the Russian Federation. We also remain deeply grateful to the member States for their solidarity and invaluable practical assistance to our country across various sectors during this challenging period.

Undoubtedly, the full-scale armed aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has inevitably affected our country’s drug policy and, since 2022, has brought significant changes to its development. Priority was initially given to domestic issues – strengthening the control over the circulation of narcotic substances, ensuring uninterrupted care for individuals with substance use disorders, securing access to essential narcotic medicines, and implementing measures to prevent addiction.

Let me walk you through several achievements in Ukraine’s drug policy since 2022:

• First of all, the conditions for the legal circulation and use of cannabis and its products have been regulated by law - for medical, industrial, scientific, and scientific-technical purposes.
• Moving forward, access to pain relief for palliative care patients has been expanded.
• In addition, the standardization of medical care for individuals with psychoactive substance use disorders has been strengthened.
• Furthermore, access to opioid substitution therapy has been improved, including in penitentiary institutions.
• Let me also highlight that the sustainability of harm reduction services for people who inject drugs has been ensured.
• We have also introduced probationary supervision in the form of treatment programs for convicted individuals with substance use disorders.
• We have initiated the development of an early warning system for the emergence of new psychoactive substances, in line with our European integration commitments.
• Finally, we have updated our working arrangements with the European Union Drugs Agency to enhance cooperation in data collection, information exchange, early warning mechanisms, and the implementation of medical and social response measures.

Moreover, efforts continue to enhance the effectiveness of drug situation monitoring at both national and regional levels, as well as to advance primary prevention measures.

At the same time, the large-scale armed aggression by Russia against Ukraine has triggered a range of new and complex challenges in the field of drug policy, including:

• First, an increase in the number of laboratories producing synthetic narcotic substances, due to reduced areas for cultivating narcotic-containing plants and shifts in distribution channels.
• Secondly, a rise in both demand and supply of synthetic psychoactive substances.
• Thirdly, a growing trend in patient admissions for acute intoxication with alpha-PvP, amphetamines, and cannabis, accompanied by a high prevalence of psychotic episodes – which may also indicate the use of synthetic cannabinoids.
• Next, an increase in the circulation of combined narcotic-containing medicinal products and precursors, whose distribution is prohibited in Ukraine but permitted in European Union countries.
• Finally, a rising trend in the number of registered criminal offenses related to the illicit trafficking of narcotic substances

An additional challenge since the onset of the full-scale war has been the effective regulation of activities related to the storage and use of narcotic medicinal products by military units, aimed at providing tactical and medical pre-hospital care during combat operations to service military personnel who have sustained injuries or wounds and require urgent pain relief.

Furthermore, as a consequence of the war, a significant number of citizens have sustained physical and psychological trauma, requiring medical assistance and long-term rehabilitation. The number of individuals - including children - diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is rapidly increasing. These circumstances may heighten the likelihood of new individuals entering risk groups for drug use.

Given the current situation and the ongoing wartime and post-war challenges, Ukraine this year adopted the Drug Policy Strategy until 2030 and approved an action plan for its implementation through 2027.

Our strategic objectives for this period are as follows:

1. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing illicit demand for drugs, and countering the stigmatization and discrimination of individuals with substance use disorders.
2. Ensuring access to narcotic medicinal products for those in need, including military personnel during the provision of pre-hospital care.
3. Providing timely and high-quality services for diagnosis, prevention, medical and psychosocial support, and social assistance to individuals who use narcotic drugs, as well as ensuring access to comprehensive harm reduction programs.
4. Combating the illicit trafficking of drugs.
5. And finally, strengthening data management, epidemiological surveillance, and monitoring of drug use trends.

I would also like to emphasise that achieving these objectives includes a key target group – individuals held in penitentiary and pre-trial detention facilities, as well as those under probation services.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the Pompidou Group for its longstanding support of Ukraine in implementing programmes for this target group, as well as other important initiatives in the field of drug policy.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that achieving Ukraine’s strategic objectives in the field of drug policy requires the implementation of best international recommendations and evidence-based practices, as well as the continuous exchange of information and reporting to international expert bodies and organizations. In this context, the Pompidou Group provides an important platform for the exchange of international experience and practices, creating a unique synergy with high strategic potential.

Excellences,

Chers collègues,

Merci de m’avoir invitée à m'exprimer sur ce sujet d'une importance capitale, en ma qualité de porte-parole du Congrès pour la jeunesse et d'Adjointe à la maire de Strasbourg.

Nous connaissons tous les dangers de la dépendance : les médias nous en parlent et nous en sommes parfois témoins lorsque la dépendance concerne les vies de personnes que nous connaissons.

Les lois, les politiques et les mesures répressives nationales sont toutes essentielles relever ce défi complexe.

Mais c'est au niveau des collectivités locales que se trouve la ligne de front de cette bataille.

C'est ici que des réponses systématiques et efficaces doivent être mises en place, fondées sur le respect des droits humains et de l'État de droit.

L’action locale et régionale vise notamment à :

• informer les jeunes sur les dangers de la consommation de drogues et les aider à faire des choix constructifs plutôt que de s'engager sur la voie de la toxicomanie ;
• soutenir les consommateurs de drogues, grâce à des stratégies visant à limiter les risques, telles que les centres d'aide aux toxicomanes ou les salles de consommation supervisées – deux structures que nous avons ici à Strasbourg ;
• promouvoir la réinsertion sociale des personnes qui ont connu des périodes de toxicomanie, par exemple par le biais de formations professionnelles ou d'aides au logement.

Il existe de nombreuses politiques performantes et éprouvées pour lutter contre la toxicomanie en Europe, mais pour que ces politiques soient réellement efficaces, les autorités et agences nationales, régionales et locales doivent travailler main dans la main.

J'appelle donc toutes les autorités nationales ici présentes à soutenir leurs autorités locales et régionales dans la lutte contre la consommation de drogues et les addictions au cours des prochaines années, en s'inspirant des villes qui ont obtenu les meilleurs résultats dans ce domaine.

À la suite d'un premier débat tenu lors de sa session d'octobre, le Congrès continuera surement à accorder une grande importance à cette question dans son programme de travail.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues — thank you for your commitment to advancing humane, evidence-based, and inclusive drug policies.

The Council of Europe’s founding values — human rights, democracy, and the rule of law — must guide all responses to addiction.

Human Rights: Every person has the right to health, dignity, and non-discrimination.

Democracy: Policies must be participatory, engaging civil society and people with lived experience.

Rule of Law: Drug policies must respect proportionality, legality, and justice, avoiding punitive excess.

These values call us to protect the dignity, health, and equality including gender equality and taking into account the different situation of women and men in terms of use and impact of addiction.

Addiction is not only a criminal or health concern, but a human rights and social justice challenge. People affected by addiction often face stigma, exclusion, and unequal access to care.

Gender, socioeconomic status, migration background, disability, and age influence both exposure to risk and access to recovery. An example of this is how research has shown a close connection between problematic substance use and intimate partner violence and trauma histories and how women's traditionally caring role has an impact on drug use.

Council of Europe’s approach: “No one left behind — no one left outside.”

Gender Mainstreaming in Addiction Policy matters:

• Patterns of drug use, access to treatment, and exposure to harm differ for women, men, and gender-diverse people.
• Women face barriers such as:

• Fear of stigma and losing custody of children
• Lack of gender-sensitive treatment services
• Higher risk of gender-based violence and trauma

Gender equality is not an “add-on” — it is a core dimension of effective, humane drug policy.

• Youth and adolescents
• Women and girls, especially those in precarious social or economic situations
• Migrants and refugees
• People in detention or without housing
• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Persons with disabilities or mental health disorders require targeted attention

National Strategies should

1. Policy Design:

• Apply gender and equality impact assessments to all drug policies and invest in research in this regard.
• Use data disaggregated by gender, age, and social status.

2. Prevention and Education:

• Develop tailored prevention campaigns for girls, boys, and marginalized youth.
• Address gender-based violence, trauma, and social determinants of addiction.

3. Treatment and Support:

• Expand gender-responsive treatment facilities (e.g., women-only centers, child-friendly services).
• Ensure continuity of care for vulnerable groups.

4. Justice and Rights:

• Promote alternatives to punishment for minor drug offenses.
• Guarantee equal access to justice and healthcare.

We need to

• Engage civil society, women’s organizations, youth networks, and people with lived experience.
• Strengthen cooperation between health, social, and justice sectors.
• Encourage peer-led initiatives and community resilience.
• Build capacity in national institutions for gender mainstreaming and human rights-based monitoring.

1. Commit to gender-sensitive and rights-based addiction strategies.
2. Integrate human rights assessments into national drug policies.
3. Collect and share data to understand gender and vulnerability trends.
4. Support training for professionals on gender equality, trauma including gender-based violence and inclusion.
5. Cooperate internationally under the Council of Europe’s framework.

“Human rights and equality are not optional principles — they are the foundation of effective and compassionate addiction policy.”

• Let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to build inclusive, humane, and evidence-based systems that empower all people to recover and thrive.
• The Council of Europe’s values remind us: Our policies are strongest when they protect the most vulnerable.

“A society is judged not by how it treats the strongest, but how it protects the most vulnerable.” — Council of Europe ethos

Ms President, dear Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished Delegates, dear Colleagues, Liechtenstein welcomes the proposed Work Programme 2026 - 2029 and fully aligns itself with its vision and objectives. Recent developments like the evolution of drug markets, the rise of digital addictions and responding to the link between mental health issues and substance use disorder demonstrate the urgent need for coordinated and forward-looking action.

From Liechtenstein’s perspective, prevention must remain at the centre of our collective efforts. When properly implemented, evidence-based prevention, particularly for young people and other at-risk groups, is a highly effective way to reduce long-term harm and strengthen resilience throughout our societies. Strong international cooperation, as practiced within the Pompidou Group, is essential to share tools, standards and knowledge and to respond effectively. For Liechtenstein, such cooperation is not optional but a must in addressing complex and rapidly evolving drug and addiction challenges. Because these issues do not stop at national borders.

The Pompidou Group’s commitment to developing policy standards, promoting human rights and encouraging cross-sector collaboration reflects an approach that Liechtenstein strongly supports. We particularly welcome the focus on capacity-building in civil society and on integrating medical, psychological, social and legal perspectives into national addiction strategies. This approach fully corresponds with Liechtenstein’s national approach.

Liechtenstein therefore expresses its firm support for the Work Programme 2026 - 2029. We look forward to continued cooperation with all member states of the Council of Europe and the Pompidou Group to advance effective, human-rights-based and future-proof addiction policies.

Thank you for your attention.

Mr President,

The Delegation of the Holy See would like to thank the Swiss Presidency for its leadership of this distinguished Group.

My Delegation has noted that the agenda for this Conference includes a strategic decision to set aside time to focus on the values that should underpin the actions to be taken by this Pompidou Group when implementing its projected 2026-2029 Work Plan. In this same regard, it is important to bear in mind that a key way to counter drug abuse and trafficking is through prevention, by promoting greater justice, educating young people in values that build personal and community life, accompanying those in need, and giving hope for the future.[1]

Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep concern that “drugs and addiction are an invisible prison”, whereas the human person is called to freedom.  Furthermore, he observed in the fight to drug dealers, all too often prisons are filled “with those who are merely the final link in a chain of death. Those who hold the chain in their hands instead manage to gain influence and impunity.”[2]

It is imperative to cease the production and trafficking of these dangerous substances. These activities are driven by the pursuit of power and wealth at any cost, resulting in violence, suffering and death. However, achieving this urgent goal successfully demands an act of courage from society as a whole.

Mr President,

Allow me to conclude with the words of Pope Leo XIV: Let us go forward together, then, multiplying the places of healing, encounter and education: pastoral paths and social policies that start from the street and never give anyone up for lost”.[3] 

Thank you Chair.

It is a pleasure to address this distinguished 19^th Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group on behalf of the Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD).

We are the consultative and advisory body of the Organization of American States on the drug issue, and we serve as a forum for our member states to discuss the drug problem as well as providing them with the technical assistance to increase their capacity to counter the challenges faced.

Our progamming is carried out within the framework of the OAS Hemispheric Drug Strategy which establishes guidelines for member states to address the transnational drug problem in an integrated manner, with full respect and consideration of human rights, gender, cultural context and social inclusion.

We are all aware that the drug issue is a complex, dynamic and multicausal phenomenon that should be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach.

International collaboration and horizontal cooperation are key elements for a comprehensive approach to the world drug problem.   In that regard, we are pleased to have established a solid framework of cooperation with the Pompidou Group, in order to facilitate collaboration and assist our member states in the implementation of the OAS Hemispheric Drug Strategy and the Pompidou Group’s Work Programme.

CICAD continues to explore potential areas of collaboration with the Pompidou Group, in the spirit of our cooperation agreement, to address ongoing issues that are of significant interest to both our member states.  

These include programmatic areas such as institutional strengthening (for example, the development of drug policies and legislation), as well as demand reduction (covering prevention, treatment and rehabilitation).  Our supply reduction programming includes topics such as precursor chemical and pharmaceutical control, maritime narcotrafficking, and intelligence training).  And lastly, data gathering and the establishment of drug information networks and early warning systems for the monitoring, early detection and timely responses to counter emerging drug threats.

In the Americas, the rapid expansion of synthetic drugs, including high-potency synthetic opioids - such as fentanyl and its analogues - methamphetamine, ketamine, and an increasingly diverse range of new psychoactive substances, continues to pose evolving threats to OAS member states. Across various subregions, recent developments indicate more diversified manufacturing methods, shifts in the precursor chemicals being used, and the broader use of specialized equipment, alongside increasingly complex distribution networks.

These trends create several challenges, such as detecting and regulating emerging precursor chemicals; strengthening laboratory and forensic capacities to identify new substances in a timely manner; improving intelligence and information-sharing; and ensuring that frontline detection tools remain operationally reliable as substances and trafficking methods continue to change. Together, these challenges highlight the need for targeted, well-coordinated responses across the region.

In this context, we are particularly keen to collaborate once again with the Pompidou Group and Mexico on a future event on synthetic drugs in 2026, so as to enhance our cooperation in increasing knowledge and expertise to address emerging trends and challenges with regards to synthetics, an issue of major concern.

In closing, we look forward to enhancing cooperation and continuing joint efforts to support our member states in searching for effective solutions to address emerging challenges related to the world drug problem. 

Thank you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Ministers, Distinguished Colleagues,

I would like to set the stage by recalling the background to the work that brings us here today.
Following the 4th Council of Europe Summit, and thanks to the initiative of the Netherlands, the Committee of Ministers, at its 133rd Session last May, entrusted the Pompidou Group with a clear mandate: to prepare policy guidelines for combating organised crime related to drug trafficking, firmly rooted in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

To answer that call, a Joint Expert Group was convened last November, uniting members of the Pompidou Group, experts from across Council of Europe committees, academia, and the Secretariat. Their work was supported by a comprehensive background study, which mapped the European and global legal landscape, scrutinised current realities, and identified critical gaps and risks.

Throughout this past year, close collaboration underpinned this process—engaging with researchers, practitioners, and the Drafting Committee on Human Rights and Drug Policies, which, looking ahead, will guide our continuing integration of human rights into the broader sphere of drug policy.

Our aim today is not only to present the resulting guidelines but also to highlight the key priorities and challenges shaping this work, and to set a course for action. At the heart of this effort is our shared conviction: that our response to organised crime and drug trafficking must be robust, intelligent, and always in line with our fundamental human rights standards.

This journey has been informed by the Council of Europe’s unique legal instruments and best practices, bringing together a variety of perspectives that reflect the complexity and evolving nature of organised crime.

Allow me now to turn to the core priorities that have emerged from our analysis and discussions:

First, we must ensure clarity in our legal definitions. Vague or overly broad definitions of “organised crime” and “drug trafficking” create legal uncertainty. We need precise terms in law, and must always balance enforcement with proportionate, preventive, and administrative measures.

Second, the protection of minors and vulnerable groups demands special attention. Organised crime groups increasingly target children and those at risk. Our legal and policy framework must prioritise their safety through prevention and enhanced protections.

Third, violence and corruption remain alarming threats to our communities and institutions. Where these flourish, public trust is eroded. Our response must be firm, coordinated, and always anchored in the rule of law.

Fourth, disrupting criminal finances is vital. Asset confiscation and other proceeds-oriented measures matter, but must be deployed thoughtfully and with respect for individual rights.

Fifth, we see new trafficking trends emerging. Whether it is novel psychoactive substances or falsified medicines, our enforcement and prevention efforts must be agile and forward-looking.

Sixth, the scale and adaptability of drug supply networks means we face moving targets, often blending different criminal activities. This demands innovative and multi-faceted strategies, including harm reduction and smarter supply disruption.

Seventh, international co-operation now faces new hurdles—particularly with third states where respect for human rights may be lacking. Future efforts must be attentive to these realities to protect the integrity of international justice.

Eighth, rules for evidence and cross-border recognition must evolve. Only mutual trust and clear, human rights-based procedures can enable effective international co-operation in investigations and prosecutions.

Ninth, the digital revolution has changed the playing field. Challenges around artificial intelligence, encryption, and jurisdiction demand that we strengthen regulation and better protect data rights.

Finally, criminal justice reform is overdue. The over-use of imprisonment for drug offences increases overcrowding and can fuel further criminality inside prisons. We must focus on rehabilitation, alternatives to custody, and interventions that work.

In closing, the Joint Expert Group’s year-long work has highlighted these priorities with depth and urgency. The guidelines before you today reflect a consensus: our fight against organised crime related to drug trafficking must be rights-based, dynamic, and fully aligned with our shared values.

I invite your attention to these priorities as we turn to the guidelines themselves—a practical roadmap for action, and one that I trust will earn your strong endorsement as we strive together for safer, more just societies.

I thank you for your attention.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Ministers, Distinguished Colleagues,

Let me open by recognising the important work that has taken place over the past year. Only three weeks ago, the Joint Expert Group on policy development for combating organised crime related to drug trafficking completed its work—building the foundation for the guidelines that were adopted by the Committee of Permanent Correspondents recently and are put before us today.

This process stems directly from the 4^th Council of Europe Summit, and—importantly—from a proposal initiated by the Netherlands. At its 133^rd Ministerial Session, the Committee of Ministers made a clear and far-reaching request:

“In pursuit of a relentless fight against corruption and organised crime, the Committee of Ministers invited the Pompidou Group to prepare policy guidelines in the area of combating organised crime relating to drug trafficking, based on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.”

This unprecedented mandate reflects both an urgent need and a genuine opportunity for our societies: to strengthen our fight against organised crime while remaining anchored in the values, standards, and protections of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The threat of organised crime and drug trafficking is not just a matter of security or law enforcement. It is a challenge to the core of our societies—testing our commitment to human rights, to public health, and to the rule of law across all our member states.

Today’s criminal networks adapt rapidly, exploiting violence, corruption, intimidation, cross-border loopholes, youth recruitment and digital technologies. The Pompidou Group is uniquely positioned to do just that. For more than five decades, Pompidou group has brought together expertise and experience to tackle precisely these kinds of multidimensional challenges. Our original purpose—bridging law enforcement, public health, and human rights—remains just as vital today as when the Pompidou Group was first established. With this in mind, our approach is rooted not only in the European Convention on Human Rights, but also in other Council of Europe instruments, international agreements, and proven good practices. At the heart of these guidelines are three central principles: proportionality, effectiveness, and an unwavering commitment to human rights.

These guidelines are the result of a full year of research and rigorous discussion. They represent our most comprehensive effort yet, and are built around the following key principles:

• A Human Rights-Based Approach: All anti-crime measures must respect fundamental rights—including the absolute ban on torture and the death penalty, the guarantee of fair trial, and protection from arbitrary detention.
• Proportionality and Individualisation: Enforcement must be smart and fair—targeting high-level organisers, not punishing low-tier offenders or those who use drugs indiscriminately.
• Non-Discrimination: Actions taken by police, courts, or policymakers must uphold equality before the law, leaving no room for discrimination.

In terms of criminal justice:

• We call for clear, coordinated legal definitions of “organised crime” and “drug trafficking” to boost cooperation and prevent arbitrary enforcement.
• Sentencing must be proportionate and focus on rehabilitation, with alternatives to prison—especially for low-level offenders and people who use drugs.
• Special emphasis is placed on fighting corruption and violence within criminal networks, and on protecting those who assist investigations.

On protection of vulnerable persons:

The guidelines stress humane treatment for all—especially people who use drugs, children, and those at risk of exploitation. Access to health and social services must be ensured, both in custody and in the community.

To strengthen law enforcement:

• Special investigative techniques are requested to be strictly regulated with judicial oversight, while respecting privacy and data protection.
• While, Asset freezing and financial sanctions should target criminal networks, but always include safeguards for innocent third parties.

On digital and international cooperation:

We must adapt to new realities—digital evidence, encryption, and artificial intelligence—while ensuring that all cross-border cooperation fully respects Council of Europe standards and fundamental rights.

Throughout, our strategy is strategic, participatory, and evidence-based:
We must continually review and adapt our policies, informed by reliable data. And, crucially, we must draw upon expertise from civil society and those with lived experience to ensure legitimacy and effectiveness.

Ministers, colleagues,

By endorsing these guidelines today, you are taking a vital step in reinforcing a balanced, rights-based response to organised crime and drug trafficking. The Pompidou Group will work closely with you to help integrate these principles into national frameworks and to develop concrete, practical recommendations alongside the European Committee on Crime Problems.

Finally, we look forward to exploring, with your support, and endorsement the possibility of developing a full Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation, through an ad hoc committee, so that these principles may have an even stronger foundation across Europe.

Let us seize this moment—so the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking is both effective and fully aligned with the values and principles that unite us as members of the Council of Europe.

Thank you.

Dear Chairperson of the Pompidou Group,

Dear colleagues,

Dear representatives of the civil society,

Thank you for the invitation to participate in the 19-th Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group. I would like to extend my sincere wishes for successful work on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Daniel Mitov. Bulgaria has always participated actively in all formats directed towards the prevention and the fights against drugs.

With a view of its geographical location Bulgaria monitors closely the main routes for drug trafficking and any newly emerging trends. Nowadays drug trafficking not only remains one of the most serious cross-border crimes but it is also turning into a global security threat. The illegal drug market continues to be the biggest source of income from criminal activity.

Our analysis shows that the traditional threats such as heroin and cocaine remain topical. At the same time, we notice an increase of the threat of synthetic drugs, mostly methamphetamines and fentanyl, which are particularly dangerous for people’s health.

At the moment at national level, we have not established an increase in the level of violence related to drug trafficking. Nevertheless, the dynamic changes in the crime picture require for us to remain vigilant in order to be able to react adequately and in timely manner to the new threats.

In recent years we see a considerable increase in the digital dimension of drug trafficking and distribution. The criminal groups use more and more the darknet, encrypted communications and cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, which makes tracing them very difficult.

To address these challenges, Bulgaria uses the full range of international cooperation tools. We maintain active information exchange with partner services from the EU and third countries, EU agencies, and international organisations. We participate in joint operations and investigations, including within the framework of EMPACT. We highly appreciate the added value of various initiatives such as the EU Ports Alliance and the US-led Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.

At national level, Bulgaria applies a proactive and flexible approach to combating all types of drugs. Alongside the detection and prosecution of criminal groups, we conduct financial investigations in order to seize criminally acquired assets.

There is effective cooperation between the different stakeholders, such as law enforcement, customs, and healthcare authorities. Bulgaria has a National Strategy for Combating Drugs for the period 2025 – 2029, which offers a comprehensive and horizontal view of all aspects of the issue.

We are constantly working on updating national legislation to ensure effective deterrent sanctions. We are making efforts to quickly include new psychoactive substances in the prohibition lists.

The Bulgarian government places strong emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups such as children and juveniles. In this regard, legislative amendments have been adopted to ban the sale of single-use vapes, as these products were also used to distribute drugs among young people.

In conclusion, I would like to assure you that Bulgaria is ready to continue working actively with all partners to strengthen the collective response to drug trafficking. We must protect and guarantee the security of our citizens from these threats.

Thank you for your attention.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Organised crime linked to drug trafficking remains a major threat to public safety and security.

Allow me to briefly share Lithuania’s recent experience, emerging trends, and best practices.

Drug-related offenses are rising, especially possession and smuggling.

Cannabis continues to be the most prevalent substance, followed by MDMA, amphetamine, cocaine, and carfentanil.

We also see a rise in synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids.

Worring trend is, that the age-limit, where the drug problem is indicated, decreases.

Drugs enter Lithuania mainly via land routes, but maritime channels and postal services are also increasingly exploited for trafficking.

Criminal groups use decentralized, tech-driven models, exploiting the dark web, cryptocurrency, and social networks like Telegram.

These groups are integrating into international networks, adapting to sanctions and geopolitical shifts, which may create new smuggling routes and hybrid threats.

Our priorities are clear and focused.

First, we target organized crime by dismantling transnational smuggling networks through intelligence-led operations and strong international cooperation.

Equally important is enabling rapid information exchange between law enforcement to address emerging trends effectively.

Follow-the-money principle has to be utilised to the fullest extent. We have to undercut the financial backbone of these operations.

Second, we are enhancing online monitoring - continuously analyzing illegal trade models and disrupting transactions on the dark web.

It is vital to boost our collective capacity against organized crime by leveraging AI and advanced technologies to enhance data analysis and disrupt illicit networks.

Third, we are engaging the public. In 2024, we launched the “Say NO to Drugs!” hotline to encourage citizens to report drug-related activities, break harmful stereotypes, and strengthen trust in our institutions.

Lastly, we must address both supply and demand. Combating organized crime is essential, but changing youth attitudes is equally critical.

Public awareness is key. We propose a European-wide campaign targeting young people to make drugs unattractive. Tackling root causes, not just consequences, requires joint efforts from law enforcement, health, and education sectors at the European level.

We stand ready to share our experience, strengthen joint operations, and contribute to building a safer and healthier Europe.

Thank you.

Global & European Context

At the moment, countries recover less than one per cent of global illicit financial flows, according to estimates by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Several best practices were established as legal standards

Crypto assets – becoming a main target for criminals for escaping justice

The FATF, as a global anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) standard setter, initiated the revision of its standards on asset recovery + launched recently a comprehensive Asset Recovery Guidance and Best Practices

The European Union adopted a new Directive on asset recovery and confiscation

Threat assessments disclose a real change of DNA in how organise crime groups work: it is nurtured online and accelerated by AI;

Moreover, 86 % of the most threatening criminal networks make use of legal business structures (LBS), in addition:

34 % have been active for more than 10 years, 

Half are involved in drug trafficking as (one of) their maincriminal activity (-ies), while other relevant crime areas include fraud, property crime, migrant smugglingand trafficking in human beings (THB).

Inputs

42 states appointed members to the PC-RAC. One observer state participates in the work of the PC-RAC (Morocco).

Participants in the regular meetings included representatives of CDPC, PC-OC, MONEYVAL, COP to CETS no.198, ECtHR, Congress of the Council of Europe, EU Commission, FATF, UNODC, and Canada.

One major international event providing fora for exchanging views and experiences – ECtHR, Venice Commission, UNODC, EC, EPPO, Europol, EPAC, INTERPOL, CARIN

Added value

• Relevant definitions (financial investigations and virtual assets)
• New substantial law measures: extended confiscation powers, NCBC, third party confiscation
• New institutional developments: AROs and AMOs established and FIUs powers strengthen
• Focus on timely provided investigative assistance and targeting high value assets, including crypto
• International cooperation – exchange of information, JITs, forms and asset sharing agreements
• Compensations for the victims – prioritised.

The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and its additional Protocols remain, at the moment, the only global treaty standards in force that govern investigations and prosecutions into cybercrime, but also into any criminal offence that relies on electronic evidence.

Adopted in 2001, the Convention currently brings together 81 States Parties within and outside the Council of Europe, and 16 more observers and States invited to accede; the process of accession has accelerated in the recent years. This wide-reaching scope of the treaty – not only terms of global membership, but also in terms of applying its electronic evidence standards to any criminal investigation – ensures relevance of its framework for combating all types of modern criminality, including organised crime and drug trafficking.

The procedural powers of data preservation, expedited disclosure, production orders, search and seizure of computer systems and data, real-time monitoring of traffic data and interception of content are aided by equally important possibilities for cross-border cooperation, also applying to any form of crime as long as electronic evidence is involved. The Cybercrime Convention Committee and Cybercrime Division consistently call upon all professional communities of investigators, prosecutors, judiciary and forensic experts to make full use of these procedural and cooperation tools, specialised for obtaining and processing electronic evidence in criminal cases.

One particular area of recent standard-setting by the Cybercrime Convention Committee – reported multiple times before this particular community of experts – is the adoption of the Second Additional Protocol on enhanced cross-border cooperation on electronic evidence in 2022 and ongoing work to ensure its entry into force.

The Second Additional Protocol modernises the current system of cross-border cooperation on electronic evidence and provides tools for enhanced co-operation and disclosure of such evidence, including direct cooperation with service providers and registrars, effective means to obtain subscriber information and traffic data, immediate co-operation in emergencies or joint investigations - all subject to a system of human rights and rule of law, including data protection safeguards.

The Cybercrime Convention Committee and the Cybercrime Division, aided by efforts through cooperation programmes managed by the Cybercrime Programme Office in Bucharest, are working in support of countries worldwide – including the EU member states, among them – to ensure implementation of these provisions into national legal frameworks, as well as setup of specialized capacities and channels for emergency cooperation required under the Protocol.

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In the limited time available, I would also like to draw your attention to one of the recent priority areas of work for the Cybercrime Convention Committee related to virtual currencies, virtual asset service providers and the relevance of cybercrime and e-evidence framework in addressing use of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies for criminal purposes – this has direct relevance to the matters of organised crime, including drug trafficking.

Taking into view an increasing role of cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets in enabling all forms of organised crime and criminal proceeds, the Cybercrime Convention Committee undertook a Mapping study on matters of virtual currencies and the relevance of the Convention on Cybercrime and its Second Protocol for criminal investigations, the collect ion of evidence, the search, seizure and confiscation of assets, and the cooperation with virtual asset service providers (VASPs) related to offences involving virtual assets.

The responses from the States Parties to the Convention were collected and presented at the last T-CY Plenary session this November, and currently the Cybercrime Convention Committee is finalizing the report for consideration at the next Committee Plenary Session in June 2026. This will enable the Committee to further its work on standard-setting int this area to ensure more effective criminal justice response and public-private cooperation to counter organised crime by “following the money”.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the Pompidou Group’s Ministerial Conference. We represent 187 Customs administrations responsible for processing over 98 percent of global trade.

Customs plays a critical role in countering drug trafficking and the movement of new psychoactive substances, including precursors and synthetic drugs. In recent years, Customs administrations have faced increasingly complex challenges including the rapid proliferation of synthetic substances such as fentanyl, the adaptive tactics of traffickers, and the exploitation of legitimate supply chains and e-commerce channels. Limited resources and differing national frameworks further challenge Customs administrations’ ability to respond.

To address these issues, the WCO has intensified operational collaboration and intelligence exchange through initiatives such as Project COLIBRI (with support from the European Union(EU)) to strengthen general aviation monitoring; the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP), jointly implemented with the EU, INTERPOL, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Synthetic Drugs Detection Project, which is designed to enhance detection of synthetic drugs in general aviation and the mail channel and includes a canine component.  It is supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. and. The WCO also maintains enforcement tools and networks which support operational activities implemented by Customs and its law enforcement partners.

The WCO stands ready to share its technical expertise and support, where possible, the Pompidou Group’s future work. Together, we can enhance operational cooperation, protect public health, and disrupt illicit activity.

Thank you.

Ministers, State Secretaries, Permanent Correspondents, distinguished guests, and colleagues

As our Conference draws to a close, this is an opportunity to reflect and to recognise the tangible outcomes that our collective efforts have generated over the past two days. Let me highlight the principal developments and shared commitments that will shape our work over the next four years:

Welcoming Spain as a new member: The Group was greatly enriched by Spain’s accession, strengthening our shared commitment to collaborative responses in drug policy and providing fresh perspectives on future priorities.

Election of new leadership for the 2026–2029 cycle:  Our new Presidency and Vice-Presidency: Austria and Czechia will jointly hold the Presidency, with Austria leading the first half and Czechia the latter, while Mexico will assume the Vice-Presidency. The carefully composed Bureau—now comprising Austria, Czechia, Mexico, Cyprus, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Switzerland—reflects a balance of experience and diversity that will steer our work forward.

Celebrating prevention efforts:  The 2025 Prevention Prize was awarded to three innovative youth-driven initiatives, setting inspiring examples that underscore the power of prevention and the centrality of youth engagement in confronting drug challenges.

We have reviewed impact and progress:  Our 2023–2025 Work Programme was thoroughly reviewed, with Member States sharing evidence of concrete impact and milestones achieved, from the development of new standards in treatment and prevention to pioneering intersectoral approaches.

We have adopted a Comprehensive Work Programme embracing a transition to the 2026–2029 priorities and which was informed by substantive contributions from ministries, international partners, and civil society actors—ensuring that our evolving agenda remains rooted in real-world experience and expertise.

Ministerial Declaration: The Declaration is adopted, reaffirming the Pompidou Group’s indispensable role within the Council of Europe. It clearly articulates our shared strategic vision, anchoring drug and addiction policy firmly within a human right, rule of law, and democracy-centered approach.

Focused Thematic Discussions: More than 60 speakers enriched our debates, with exchanges on cutting-edge challenges.

• We deepened our understanding of online addictions, progressing towards coordinated multi-sectoral responses.
• Developments in human rights and drug policy were presented, highlighting both achievements and persistent gaps in access to care, dignity, and the rights of affected populations, guided by the latest advice from the DH-PDA Drafting Committee.

Addressing organised crime and drug trafficking, the Conference reviewed the OC-DT Expert Group’s policy guidelines—an innovative approach with strong potential to become a new standard in this field. Many partner organisations have expressed interest in cooperating with us, and I look forward to seeing this process through to completion and establishing new avenues for cross-border and institutional coordination during 2026.

Takeaways from Interventions: 

What stems from this is what we know, broad consensus emerged on the need for balanced, humane, and evidence-based drug policies prioritising prevention, mental health, and support for vulnerable groups—especially children, youth, and those affected by violence or trauma.

The growing concern over synthetic drugs, rapidly changing drug trends, digital drug markets, and the use of the darknet and cryptocurrencies. These challenges require adaptive, modernised approaches, stronger law enforcement cooperation, and updated regulations.

Participants highlighted widespread risks of digital addictions among youth. Effective regulation must address not just online content but also business models and algorithms, while prevention strategies should be evidence-based and co-created with young people.

The unique value of the Pompidou Group in bridging governments, experts, and civil society was repeatedly affirmed. International cooperation—with organisations like the UN, EU, OSCE, and CICAD—was seen as essential for knowledge and scientific evidence sharing, combatting organised crime, and driving effective reform.

Looking Forward: As we enter a new phase, these shared priorities set the foundation for future action—mobilising our expertise to protect public health, uphold social justice, and reinforce our core values: human rights, rule of law, and democracy, the very foundation of the Council of Europe and the core of the Secretary General New Democratic Pact.