WRITTEN QUESTION E-2359/99

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) and Brian Crowley (UEN) to the Commission

(13 December 1999)

Subject: Synthetic drugs

- The use of synthetic drugs is spreading at an alarming rate and is causing deaths in all the EU Member States,

- according to press reports, detailed instructions for concocting such substances are available on the Internet and the users of synthetic drugs are thus able to make their own supplies at home,

- many too many young people are unaware of the irreversible damage which such substances can do, as is clearly illustrated by the fact that a liver transplant has had to be carried out on a 17-year-old girl in Lombardy (Italy).

In view of the above, would the Commission prepare, as a matter of urgency, a brief television broadcast to be shown on all national television channels (both public and commercial) in the Member States in order to inform young people and their families of the risks involved in drug-taking, to warn them not to use such substances and to ask them to assist the appropriate authorities in identifying and halting the activities of anyone who supplies or otherwise promotes such substances?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(21 January 2000)

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable Member about the problems caused by synthetic drugs. In its communication on a European action plan to combat drugs (2000-2004)(1), the Commission has highlighted that the problem could be reduced using appropriate legislation; actions against production and trafficking, including improved co-operation between national authorities and the chemical industry, in particular concerning precursors; international co-operation; and action on demand reduction through information and other preventive approaches.

The communication points out as well that mass media campaigns have been widely used as a means of raising awareness on drug issues. To be effective, the messages in these campaigns should be well targeted, informed and realistic. It is of the utmost importance that such information campaigns act as a supportive element for local level actions undertaken with an educational perspective, both for young people and for key people in their environment. In addition, it should be stressed that this pedagogical approach implies that information for young people should be understood as a communicative process and dialogue rather than as a campaign. The Commission is convinced that the active involvement of young people in information activities is crucial for their success.

The European drug prevention week is a good example of combination of a grass-root approach with a European campaign to highlight the theme of the week and to support the visibility of local events. The Commission, within the framework of the Community action programme on the prevention of drug dependence (1996-2000), has launched and co-financed three European drug prevention weeks in all Member States. The 1998 week was addressed new synthetic drugs and young people and included a 30-second TV spot in 18 languages, a radio commercial in 6 languages, a press advertisement in 12 languages, a booklet in 13 languages and a poster in 19 language versions. The week was launched by a two-day international conference on drug prevention and policy, organised by the city of Vienna with the support of the Commission.

In addition, the Community action programme on the prevention of drug dependence (1996-2000) finances projects in several Member States to disseminate appropriate information among young people on synthetic drugs. These projects have produced many different types of education and information materials, in the form of brochures, booklets, audiovisual products and Internet sites. Moreover, these projects are organized in European networks to exchange models of good practice and develop joint actions that have European added value.

On the other hand, the Commission considers it inappropriate to promote media campaigns that do not take into account the needs and developments at local, regional and national level as being contrary to the principle of subsidiarity and a not very efficient use of public monies. The Commission is committed to continue its efforts to prevent drug dependency and promote healthy lifestyles among young people.

(1) COM(99) 239 final.