The Council of Europe’s response to drug use and drug trafficking is carried out through a multi-disciplinary co-operation group known as the Pompidou Group. Named after French president, Georges Pompidou, it was set up in 1971 and now comprises 35 member states.

The mission of the Pompidou Group is to contribute to the quality of European drug policies, practices and research by identifying issues raised through practical experience, promoting evidence-based policies and facilitating communication between professionals of various disciplines and between EU and non-EU countries. The work of the Pompidou Group is structured around six platforms: prevention, treatment, criminal justice, airports, ethics and human rights, and research.

In November 2006, the Ministerial Conference, which is the political authority of the Pompidou Group and which meets every four years, agreed a draft work programme for 2007–2010.1 The work programme concentrates on the following main objectives: developing effective programmes in the areas of demand reduction and supply control, addressing transversal issues and facilitating co-operation and joint activities. Some of the planned activities to be undertaken in line with these objectives are outlined in the table below.

The expected results from the activities undertaken through the work programme include the identification of barriers in practice and priorities for further action, and the setting of standards of good practice. The format in which these outcomes are presented and disseminated varies and is tailored to the needs of specific target groups, be they policy makers, practitioners or researchers. Outputs may include policy papers, recommendations and guidelines for standards, comparative studies, expert reports or on-line resources. A particular focus is placed on education and training and the transfer of know-how. Another priority of the Pompidou Group is to identify overlaps and avoid duplication in practice, particularly among the various international organisations active in the drugs area. Consequently, co-operation initiatives are planned with a range of groups, including the Mediterranean Network (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, France and the Netherlands), the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and the World Health Organization. The work of the Pompidou Group is evaluated on an ongoing basis.  

1.  Pompidou Group Ministerial Conference (2006) Work Programme 2007–2010. Strasbourg: Council of Europe.  Available on the Council of Europe website at www.coe.int/pompidou