The European Commission has published a Green Paper on the Role of Civil Society in Drugs Policy in the European Union (COM (2006) 316 Final). The Green Paper explores ways to involve civil society in the planning and implementation of EU drugs policy. Voluntary and community organisations in member states, including Ireland, are invited to give their opinions and experiences.

The Green Paper was developed on foot of a conference held in Brussels in January, attended by over 140 participants representing European NGO networks, including voluntary organisations in 16 member states, four accession and candidate countries, and Norway. This conference explored the options and highlighted issues with regard to the involvement of civil society in the planning and implementation of EU drugs policy.

The Green Paper was published on 26 June, which was International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and the consultation period will run until the end of September 2006. The Green Paper and further information regarding the consultation can be found at http://europa.eu