European cities on the frontline: Harm reduction and drug policy – needs, best practices and recommendations

The European City Initiative on Drug Policy (ECIDP), launched by Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network (C-EHRN), recognises the crucial role of cities as front runners in responding to drug use and related health and social challenges. With over two thirds of Europeans living in urban areas, cities are at the frontline of emerging drug trends and the development of innovative harm reduction and policy approaches. The ECIDP aims to bridge the gap between local realities and national/EU strategies by providing a platform for knowledge exchange, joint advocacy, and tailored support for municipalities and local service providers.

Following city consultations held between the months of May and August 2025 with city drug coordinators, city councillors, harm reduction service providers, and members of civil society organisations, the ECIDP is working towards building an informal network of mayors, policymakers, civil society, and affected communities to share experiences on urban drug use, emerging drug trends, and local approaches to tackle the challenges that come with these experiences.

This report brings together findings from city consultations on harm reduction across Europe. It highlights common challenges, city-specific priorities, and innovative best practices that can inform stronger, more resilient, harm reduction strategies. The current list of cities participating in these sessions are the following: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Athens (Greece), Berlin (Germany), Bologna (Italy), Bratislava (Slovakia), Brussels (Belgium), Budapest (Hungary), Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), Glasgow (Scotland), Milan (Italy), Munich (Germany), Prague (Czechia), Turin (Italy), Vienna (Austria), and Zurich (Switzerland).