Marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “The problem of drugs affects the lives of millions around the world. Drug traffickers act across borders, quickly adapting to the new circumstances and often using modern technologies to their benefit. Their illicit business, worth billions of euros each year, is a catalyst for organised crime groups. The only answer to stop this phenomenon – on both the supply and demand side, is an international one. On this important day, I call on the international community to step up efforts and reinforce cooperation. Only by acting together, we can truly ensure the safety and health of our citizens, in Europe and beyond.” Over the past two decades, the European Commission together with Member States developed a comprehensive European approach to tackle drugs use and trafficking, working closely with international partners, including the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. The main priorities of this approach were set out in the EU Drugs Strategy for 2013-2020 and implemented through two consecutive Action Plans on drugs for 2013-2016 and 2017-2020. As a result of these efforts, the EU Agency on drugs, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), was recognised as a hub of excellence in Europe and internationally. The Agency closely monitors the drug situation in Europe and provides a comprehensive analysis of drug use and market trends. Commissioner Avramopoulos presented the 2019 European Drug Report earlier this month, which showed an increase in cocaine availability with seizures at a record high level.
Date:
26 Jun 2019