On 6 and 7 March, the eighth high-level meeting of the Coordination and Cooperation Mechanism on Drugs between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean States was held in Vienna.
150 delegates from over 50 countries and organisations were represented at the event in order to drive forward cooperation on international drugs control. These regions are affected by the problems posed by drugs: in Latin America, coca production is particularly widespread, the Caribbean States are increasingly adversely affected as transit countries, and Europe is the largest outlet for illegal drugs.
Cooperation between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean is based on the rationale of joint responsibility in the international fight against drugs. Within the framework of a comprehensive approach, the regions in question are dealing with all the different facets of the problem. At the two-day meeting in the Hofburg, drug experts and high-ranking officials once again looked into the problems concerning demand, trade and production.
Particular emphasis was placed on cocaine in terms of reducing demand as increased levels of consumption of this drug pose a problem in both Latin America and Europe. In this regard, the prevention and treatment of cocaine dependency are particularly important.
On the supply side, the meeting focused on the methods and measures for combating drug trafficking, the money laundering associated with drug trafficking and the exchange of information between national police authorities. A further aspect, which is particularly relevant for the Andean States, concerns alternative development. This concerns projects which should enable coca growers in these regions to earn an adequate income by cultivating legal crops.
Another important point was the consolidation of cooperation between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean States at the United Nations, possible joint initiatives and project proposals, as well as the future of the Coordination and Cooperation Mechanism on Drugs between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean States.
At the end of the conference, delegates reached agreement on a joint Vienna Declaration which will be presented to Foreign Ministers for adoption at the summit meeting in May between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean.
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