The scope of this document is to compare the trend in the perception of security towards drug-related problems among EU citizens between 1996 and 2000 (Chapter II) and to compare this trend with the figures on the drug situation in the EU (Chapter III). This document draws heavily on the findings of the report of Dr Aromaa, as well as on the annual reports of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

Comparisons between the responses given in 1996 and 2000 are possible because of the relatively short time elapsed between the two surveys and their largely similar methodology. However, care must be taken when drawing specific and far reaching conclusions from any such comparison. For example, more drug news in the media may lead to increased public awareness of the drugs problem as well as to a greater ability to recognise drug-related phenomena but both may also be a sign for increased drug use and visibility of the drug markets.