WRITTEN QUESTION E-0904/00 by Anna Karamanou (PSE) and Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission. Steep rise in drug abuse among European schoolchildren.
Date: 2000-03-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, child protection, drug addiction

13.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 46 E/75

Reply

(10 July 2000)

In the EU Drugs Strategy for 2000-2004 that has been endorsed by the meeting of the European Council
of Helsinki it is affirmed that cannabis is still the most commonly used illicit drug.

In this strategy, that is now being transposed into an action plan, specific importance is given to demand
reduction. EU action as regards demand reduction is conform to Guiding Principles and the Plan on
demand reduction adopted in 1999 in the framework of the United Nations. EU Actions cover all areas of
prevention. Addiction prevention strategies should be an integral part of community health policies. These
strategies should particularly focus on children and young people. Preventive measures should also be
developed for drug use in prisons and alternative measures to imprisonment.

All these principles are being transposed into concrete actions on which the Parliament will be informed.

(2001/C 46 E/079)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0904/00

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) and Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: Steep rise in drug abuse among European schoolchildren

(25 March 2000)

According to the annual report of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the use of cannabis among
European schoolchildren has risen very sharply: about one third of pupils in secondary education in
France, 25 % of thirteen year-olds in the United Kingdom and 69 % of young people who go to techno
music parties in Germany have experimented with the drug; there has also been an increase in the use of
the synthetic drugs Ecstasy and LSD, since young people associate these drugs with having fun. The report
also states that Albania has become a major producer of cannabis which is channelled mainly through
Greece, Italy and Slovenia; furthermore, the provision of information about the cultivation of the plant and
its derivatives through the Internet has led to a sharp increase in domestic production of drugs. Will the
Commission say whether it knows which factors are responsible for the dramatic increase in the use of
cannabis and what steps have been taken to harmonise legislation and the position of the European Union
on the use of narcotic substances?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(18 May 2000)

The Commission is aware of the information presented in the annual report of the International narcotics
control board (INCB). The upward trend in the use of cannabis and synthetic drugs among schoolchildren
is also confirmed by the latest annual report of the European monitoring centre for drugs and drug
addiction (EMCDDA) in Lisbon. The proportion of 15- to 16 year-olds inside the Community who report
cannabis use ranges from 5 % to 40 % whereas the proportion of those who have used synthetic drugs
(amphetamines, ecstasy, LSD) varies from 1 % to 13 %.

On the supply side, the latest report from Europol confirms large-scale cultivation of cannabis in Albania
but states also that 85 % of the cannabis resin seized in the Community originates from Morocco.
Increasing production of cannabis and the manufacture of synthetic drugs in the Community are also
challenges identified in the Commission communication on a Community action plan to combat drugs
(2000-2004) that formed the basis for the Community drug strategy (2000-2004) endorsed in the
European Council
the Commission is working together with the
Portuguese Presidency to prepare a Community action plan on drugs (2000-2004) that will contain

in December 1999. Furthermore,

C 46 E/76

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

concrete measures for achieving the targets set in the Community drug strategy. The strategy and the
action plan set up a common framework for drug related actions inside the Community.

The strategy also emphasises the importance of facing the challenges posed by modern technology like the
Internet. On the other hand, Internet may also be used for drug demand reduction.

As the Honourable Members know, defining the underlying reasons of drug use is beyond the scope of this
answer. Reasons leading to drug use are a complicated mixture of social, economic and cultural factors. In
general, ecstasy-type synthetic drugs are most often used at clubs and dance parties during weekends. The
increased use of cannabis among young people has connections with different youth cultures and drugs
are often used instead of alcohol. Innovative demand reduction approaches are needed to take into account
the specific characteristics of these groups of drug users.

Drug legislation falls mostly within the competence of the Member States. Despite differences in legislation
on drug addiction and drug-related crimes, the practice in Member States is increasingly convergent.
Harmonisation of legislation is only needed when there is a legal vacuum, like with the control of new
synthetic drugs. The joint action on new synthetic drugs (1) may be used to place substances under control
in all Member States. It has been used to control a substance called 4-MTA. The Commission also intends
to launch a study on common definitions, incrimination and sanctions regarding drug trafficking.

(1) OJ L 167, 25.6.1997.

(2001/C 46 E/080)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0907/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(25 March 2000)

Subject: Polluting activities of olive kernel oil plant in Crete

In reply to my question E-2328/99 (1) on health problems arising from the operation of an olive kernel oil
plant in Iraklion, Crete, the Commission states that it (cid:145)does not have any information on the pollution
caused by this plant(cid:146) and asks me to send it (cid:145)a dossier describing the plant(cid:146)s polluting activities(cid:146).

As I am informed that the problems persist and are making living conditions in the area unbearable, I am
handing over to you a dossier containing documents from the ministries concerned, the local authorities
and local organisations in the town, together with press reports. Will the Commission then answer my
questions and provide further information if possible?

(1) OJ C 225 E, 8.8.2000, p. 103.

Answer given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(18 May 2000)

The Commission has just received the dossier concerning the pollution caused by the olive oil plant in
Iraklion, Crete. This type of activity is listed in Annex II to Directive 85/337/EEC as amended by
Directive 97/11/EC (1).