Gradin sets sights on target of a narcotic-free Europe

Date: 28/05/1998

By Simon Coss

ANY EU-wide approach to controlling the use of illegal narcotics must have a 'drug-free Europe' as its ultimate aim, insists European Commissioner Anita Gradin.

Gradin's comments come as an increasing number of critics argue that traditional prohibitionist strategies do more harm than good.

The Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner will fly to New York next week to take part in a United Nations General Assembly special session (UNGASS) on 8-10 June, exclusively devoted to the global drug problem.

Although the European Commission will only have observer status at the talks, Gradin, whose responsibilities include gathering statistics on drug use across the Union, has already made it clear how she feels policy in Europe should develop.

"I think more and more people realise that there are no easy answers in this area. You have to get a comprehensive approach to the question in order to get a drug-free Europe," she told European Voice.

Gradin argues that while countries should be free to pursue a variety of approaches, including controversial schemes such as needle exchange programmes and prescribing methadone for heroin addicts, there should be no doubt as to the final goal.

"The best methadone programmes try to reduce dependence and help people to get out of the drugs situation and, in such cases, I agree with them. But I am not in favour of them as a long-term activity, just to keep people on it," she said.

Many campaigners for reform have criticised the fact that the forthcoming UN talks will only discuss the extension of existing policies to combat drug usage.

"UNGASS was originally conceived as a critical examination of world-wide anti-drug policy. Under the guidance of repressive forces inside the UN, the focus of the session has been narrowed," said the Global Coalition for Alternatives to the Drug War (GCADW) in a recent statement.

Many reformers argue that an effective drugs policy should concentrate on giving adequate medical care to people with drug problems and educating others about the effects of drug use. They say politicians should accept that there will always be a certain level of drug consumption within society and work out the best way of dealing with it.

Traditional approaches tend to focus on eradicating drug crops in producer countries, increasing customs checks to stamp out smuggling and preventing consumption. Between 1998 and 1999, the UN Drug Control Programme is set to spend nearly 150 million ecu on these policies.

Preview and reports of a United Nations General Assembly special assembly (UNGASS) on the global drug problem, 8-10.6.98.