Council of the European Union (1999), Point of Departure and Work Programme of the Horizontal Working Party on Drugs (HDG) for the First Half of 1999 under the German Presidency

In 1999, the EU highlighted the growing threat of drug abuse and trafficking, noting a sharp rise in cocaine, amphetamines, and synthetic drugs like ecstasy. Reports at the time showed that no Member State was spared from these challenges.

To respond, the EU called for stronger cooperation between countries, better intelligence sharing through Europol, and more attention to prevention, education, and treatment.

During the German Presidency, the EU’s Horizontal Working Party on Drugs set the stage for a new multi-year action plan, aiming for a more united and comprehensive European approach to the drug problem.