Objective: This webinar aims to explore innovative and evidence-informed approaches to preventing the recruitment and involvement of young people in drug markets across Europe. Drawing on interventions implemented in various European countries, the session will examine how these strategies can disrupt pathways into drug-related criminality and offer meaningful alternatives for at-risk young people. The discussion will also reflect on the findings of a recent literature review, identifying promising practices, structural and contextual barriers and opportunities for scaling and adaptation. Participants will gain insights into what works, for whom and under what conditions, with a view to informing future policy and practice.

Background: The involvement of young people in drug markets is a growing concern across Europe, with implications for public health, safety and social cohesion. Preventive interventions in this area aim to reduce the risk factors and vulnerabilities that lead to recruitment, while strengthening protective factors such as education, employment, community engagement and family support. These approaches may include community-based outreach, school and family interventions, mentorship programmes and multi-agency collaborations.

Despite increasing attention, this field remains under-researched and under-documented. The webinar brings together pioneering professionals from Ireland, the Netherlands and Italy who are actively developing and implementing solutions. Their experiences will help illuminate the practical realities of prevention work, including the challenges of reaching marginalised young people, ensuring sustainability and evaluating impact.

In conversation with:

• Dr Eoin O’Meara Daly (Findings from an evidence review, Ireland);
• Nour Gjaltema (Ministry of Justice and Security, Prevention with Authority, The Netherlands);
• Monica Usai (Programme Manager, Libera, Italy).

Chairpersons: Teodora Groshkova (EUDA), Helen Fitzgerald (Ireland).

Organisers: Marica Ferri, Anna Ferrara, Marco Costa.

Opening remarks: Alexis Goosdeel, Executive Director, EUDA.

Format: Opening remarks, panellists’ questions, Q&A, closing remarks. 

Length: 1.5 hours.