The need to strengthen the EU’s collective action against drugs was highlighted by President Nikos Christodoulides during a debate entitled ‘European Alliance against Drugs’ held in the framework of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Yerevan, on Monday.
According to a statement by the Presidency, President Christodoulides referred to the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the fight against drugs.
In his intervention before the leaders attending the Summit, it said, President Christodoulides ‘highlighted the need for collective action aimed at combating drug trafficking, particularly through European ports, underlining the need to strengthen collective action.’
At the same time, it adds, he informed about the EU strategy on drugs adopted by the Council last March, under the Cyprus Presidency, as well as about promoting the implementation of the relevant EU action plan.
‘He added that a large part of the actions should focus on prevention, while he pointed out the commitment to protecting European citizens from drugs and their consequences, including the fight against smugglers rings,’ it said.
It is noted that specific proposals were submitted during the discussion by the President of France Emmanuel Macron and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, on whose initiative the European Alliance Against Drugs (ECAD) was established at the previous EPC Summit in Copenhagen. The Republic of Cyprus, it said, co-signs a declaration in which three main axes of focus are agreed: combating trafficking (especially by sea), tackling economic crime and reducing demand. ‘Priority is given to port security and maritime surveillance, while prevention, treatment and reintegration policies are promoted, with an emphasis on vulnerable groups and new threats such as synthetic drugs,’ it added.
According to the announcement, Cyprus, within the framework of its Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, ‘attaches particular importance’ to strengthening the connection between political initiatives and operational implementation, to promoting a balanced approach that combines security and public health, and to strengthening cooperation with neighbouring regions.