European drugs policy stands today at a crossroad. While there are strong forces that promote a drug free Europe voices in favor of the liberalization of drugs are increasing.

During May 15-17 the City of Stockholm hosts the conference Drugs Policy at Crossroads. Over 200 representatives from international non-governmental organizations, fourteen Mayors and several vice Mayors, government representatives and academia will discuss the future of a common European drugs policy.

Participation is estimated to over 200 representatives from cities such as Moscow, Skopje, Cork, Belgrade, Reykjavik, Belfast and other European cities.

- Although the issue remains at the top of the political agenda we must continue to intensify our work and European cities must take further responsibility to prevent an escalation of our drug problems, says Torgny Peterson, Assistant Director ECAD.

-In Stockholm we see an alarming increase in drug abuse among teenagers, comments Margareta Olofsson vice Mayor for Social Affairs. The City of Stockholm is continuously trying to find new ways to break this trend. It is therefore important for us to collect experiences and knowledge from other actors around Europe.

Sweden has a very restrictive view on the use of drugs and has taken several initiatives towards a drug free Europe. ECAD, European Cities Against Drugs was an initiative taken by former Mayor Carl Cederschiöld already in 1994.

- It is extremely important to take preventive measures if we want Stockholm to remain the European model for a drug free Europe. We are very keen that all cities around Europe take a collected stand in the fight against drugs, concludes Annika Billström, Mayor of the City of Stockholm.

For more information and conference program please see www.ecad.net

Contact:
Torgny Peterson, Assistant Director ECAD Phone. +46 (0)70 589 89 85 director@hnnsweden.com		Annika Billström Mayor City of Stockholm Phone. 08-5082 9251

 
 
 
 
ECAD
ECAD, European Cities Against Drugs, is an organization initiated by the City of Stockholm in 1994. Today its members include 260 cities in 30 European countries.
 
ECAD will hold its 10th anniversary celebration between May 15-17 - a conference held at Hilton Hotel in Stockholm entitled Drugs Policy at Crossroads. H. M. Queen Silvia will open the conference. Other speakers include Pietro Soggiu Italian drug tsar and Keith Hellawell former National Drug Coordinator England.

 
 
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