The EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Strategy’) provides the overarching political framework and priorities for the European Union’s drugs policy for the period 2021-2025. The framework, aim and objectives of the Strategy serve as the basis for the EU Drugs Action Plan from 2021 to 2025 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Action Plan’).

The Strategy aims to protect and improve the well-being of society and of the individual, to protect and promote public health, to offer a high level of security and well-being for the general public and to increase health literacy. The Strategy takes an evidence-based, integrated, balanced and multidisciplinary approach to the drugs phenomenon at national, EU and international level. It also incorporates a gender equality and health equity perspective.

The Action Plan pursues the aims and objectives of, follows the approach of, and builds on the same documents and information as the Strategy. The Action Plan is based on the principles, values and legal provisions which lie at the basis of the Strategy. In implementing the Strategy, the Action Plan addresses the existing and evolving challenges of the drugs phenomenon, taking on board the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and taking a future-oriented approach to anticipate challenges.

Contents:

Introduction

1. Drug supply reduction: enhancing security
2. Drug demand reduction: prevention, treatment and care services
3. Addressing drug-related harm
4. International cooperation
5. Research, innovation and foresight
6. Coordination, governance and implementation

Annex 1 –Overarching indicators for the EU Drugs Action Plan 2021-2025

Annex 2 –Glossary of acronyms