Results of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Results of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union are summarised in Czech, English and French on the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union website.

The introduction states:

• "The Czech Republic held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2022. The agenda of the Czech Presidency was significantly influenced by the current geopolitical situation, in particular the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the urgent need to respond adequately to it. Under the leadership of Czech ministers and diplomats, the negotiations achieved a number of major results in the legislative and non-legislative areas, which are summarised in this section of the website."

Succes in addiction policy

Four paragraphs of text on addiction policy are set out in the Justice and Home Affairs Council  chapter (quoted in full):

• "At the December Council meeting, the Czech Presidency succeeded in approving an important document at the highest level of the Council of the European Union. These are the Council conclusions on the human rights approach in drug policies. Although the document is not exactly binding, it sends a clear political signal that modern drug policy should build on science-based information, human rights and a humane approach. The conclusions also have a strong international overlap.
• The Council conclusions aim to promote human rights in drug policies, to promote a de-stigmatising and non-discriminatory approach to promote public health at EU level, to implement proportionate and effective responses to drug-related crime, including the possibility to explore innovative and science-based approaches in drug policies. The conclusions also support the need to ensure voluntary access to services and care for drug users and target the specific needs of vulnerable groups. They call on EU Member States to encourage the participation and involvement of civil society and the scientific community, to strengthen international cooperation and to apply strong condemnation of disproportionate sentences for drug-related crimes.
• In the area of drug policy, the Czech Presidency also supported international cooperation with third countries, the participation of civil society in the implementation of drug policies and coordinated the EU's preparations for the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs. The Czech Presidency also focused on the health impact of the crisis in Ukraine and opened discussions on the current trends in methamphetamine, both in terms of reducing supply and demand. In addition, space was also devoted to the revision of the mandate of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, whereby the position of the European Parliament was adopted during the Presidency, making it possible to start trialogues with the European Parliament under the Swedish Presidency in 2023.
• During the Presidency, a number of side events were organised, such as a meeting of national drug coordinators to discuss the issue of cannabis policies, but also a number of other events based on the central priority of the Czech Presidency, i.e. a rational and humane drug policy."

Resource:

[Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Results of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, https://czech-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/programme/results-of-the-czech-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-eu-source-page/; accessed 2023-01-25]