WRITTEN QUESTION E-1303/98

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Controversy between the EU and the UN

The controversy caused by the Commission's intervention in the UN programme to combat drugs, which led to the actual validity of the UN programme being challenged, sends a negative signal to the general public as regards the unified nature of the campaign and the commitments of the two international organizations concerned. It adds to the general public distrust of institutions and comes at an awkward moment for European public opinion, which is faced with the problems of the single currency and the forthcoming enlargements.

Can the Commission devise a public information campaign concerning the measures which the Union intends to take to combat the serious social problems afflicting European society, ensuring that the measures envisaged are compatible and in harmony with those planned by other international organizations in the context of similar programmes?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 1998)

There has been no significant controversy between the Commission and the United Nations (UN) as regards the latter's programme to combat drugs. Clearly, the Commission and the UN do not always share the same views on all policy matters, including drug-fighting geographical priorities. Nevertheless, the Commission remains a key supporter of the UN role in the fight against drugs.

In 1997, the Commission published two publications informing the European citizen about the Union's activities under the current Union plan of action in the fight against drugs (1995-2000), firstly a leaflet (8 pages, A5 format) entitled "The EU and the fight against drugs", and secondly a brochure "The EU in action against drugs" (32 pages A4 format). The latter was published with the support of the Commission's information campaign programme "Building Europe together". Both publications are available in all Community languages and are sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

Further, the mandate of the European monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction (EMCDDA), which is now implementing its fourth annual work programme, publishes annual reports on the Union drug situation. The report on the 1997 situation is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

In the course of preparing the next plan of action for the period 2000-2004, the Commission intends to propose strengthening the activities with regard to information for European citizens and drug demand reduction.

Moreover, public awareness-raising through the organisation of a European drug prevention week has been identified as a priority for 1998, in the framework of Decision No 102/97/EEC of the Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1996 adopting a programme of Community action on the prevention of drug dependence within the framework for action in the field of public health (1996-2000)(1). This third European drug prevention week, dedicated to the theme "Multidisciplinary approach and drug prevention; awareness-raising in society and partnerships" will be held from 16 to 22 November 1998. It is concerned with promoting the concept of addiction prevention in a long term perspective, and making an effective and visible contribution to better co-operation in the field of drug prevention.

(1) OJ L 19, 22.1.1997.