European network of health data on drug abuse

1) OBJECTIVE

To exchange information on drug abuse between Member States.

2) COMMUNITY MEASURES

Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Health meeting within the Council of 16 May 1989 concerning a European network of health data on drug abuse.

3) CONTENTS

In view of the increase in drug abuse and its impact on public health, the Member States are of the opinion that it would be useful to exchange information. Structures for the collection of data on the illicit use of drugs already exist in the various Member States and have proved extremely useful. However, there is no pooling of data on account of the variations in legislation and organisation, which renders comparison difficult.

The Member States have therefore expressed their willingness to systematically collect this data, establish cooperation and help to increase the scope for comparison.

The Commission, which will be assisted by a working party, is invited to draw up a full inventory of work already carried out or planned both by the Member States and by international organisations such as the Pompidou Group and the WHO (World Health Organisation). The Commission will thus identify any areas where further work is required and will present a report to the Council.

Last updated: 07.10.2005