C 323/94
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
26.8.2022
5.3.5.
At the same time, the effective enforcement of the ban on illicit drugs requires efficient work at the foundations of society, so that people with addictions are not left alone, but are supported in their choice not turn to drugs again.
Despite the increasing public funds being spent on fighting drug trafficking, the problem of helping people overcoming addiction is still huge.
Therefore, the EUDA, taking into account the best experiences of the EU Member States, could redirect a more significant part of its work towards the psychological causes of drug abuse.
5.3.6.
Taking a global and regional approach to the drugs market in the EU requires tracing and closely monitoring the developments in drug and illicit substances production in regions that traditionally pose risks, such as South America, Afghanistan, Africa, China, Turkey and the Western Balkans.
The active and constantly changing role of OCGs in changing the dynamics of drugs supply and in trafficking requires constant and coordinated efforts by all relevant bodies, and especially those engaged in enforcement and border control, at international level.
Only intense cooperation can help map drugs corridors in order to effectively cut them off. 5.4.
National Contact Points 5.4.1.
The role and functions of the NCPs should be expanded.
Their work in the different EU countries varies considerably.
Some NCPs carry out informative, analytical, scientific research, expert consultancy and publishing activities.
The main objectives of NCPs activities should include more methodological monitoring, standardised data collection, evaluation and classification, and the processing, storage, analysis and dissemination of information in the field of drug demand and supply in the EU.
NCPs should develop drug policy and active responses to the situation in that field.
They should work on the provision of information, supporting the activity of national governments and the formulation of national policy on drugs and drug addiction.
5.4.2.
NCPs are key to delivering effectively and promptly on the implementation of the EUDA’s new mandate.
Only a stronger and well-coordinated network of NCPs can provide relevant data — not only retrospectively, but most importantly — on the emergence of new harmful substances, their detection and identification, possible distribution channels, etc. As this requires building serious laboratory capacity, regional unions and clusters should be promoted — grouped in high-risk zones, e.g. at the EU’s external borders, close to typical drug-importing routes, etc. 5.4.3.
NCPs should be supported and equipped as effectively as possible with common guidelines and methodologies to be able to gather comparable data and indicators, on which to base the shift towards safety and security issues rather than just fighting the spread of drugs and illicit substances.
5.4.4.
Member States should be encouraged to provide NCPs with more resources — including information, technology, funding, etc.
Every effort should be made to help NCPs strengthen their capacity to deliver on the new, expanded mandate and play a greater role.
5.4.5.
It should be remembered that, in addition to creating community mechanisms to fight addiction, the EUDA should, in cooperation with the Member States, build national systems of cooperation to create and support joint support programmes for groups potentially at risk of drug addiction.
Only a strong bond developed within local communities can help reduce drug use.
As an example of such solutions that have already resulted in positive solutions, the EUDA could use the solutions already implemented by the Portuguese Government.
5.4.6.
The EESC sees an opportunity to improve the reporting system of NCPs, to avoid investing additional time and resources in double reporting — as they are currently required to report to both the future EUDA and the UN.
Brussels, 18 May 2022.
The President of the European Economic and Social Committee Christa SCHWENG