Western Europe

Events

29th Harm Reduction International Conference - HR27

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

9 May 2027 - 12 May 2027

The conference focuses on the latest research and discussions on best practice in drug use, harm reduction and human rights.

Events

#StopTheDeaths conference 2026

Glasgow, Scotland

26 August 2026 - 27 August 2026

The conference will together people with lived and living experience, policymakers, service providers, and health and social care professionals to explore responses to drug-related deaths and harms.

Events

Harm reduction in Europe in 2026 - Webinar

Online

26 May 2026

Trimbos Institute hosts a webinar exploring how shifting geopolitical priorities in Europe are reshaping drug policy, public health and harm reduction services.

Publications12 April 2026

New drug trends: Insights from focus group discussions - Civil society monitoring of harm reduction in Europe 2025

C-EHRN highlights shifting drug trends across Europe, noting the rising prevalence of polydrug use, potent synthetic substances, and the critical need for adapted harm reduction services.

News12 April 2026

Funding gaps undermining drug harm reduction in Italy and Spain

A cross-border investigation found that fragmented funding and systems limit services.

Publications1 April 2026

EUDA Single programming document 2026-2028

The EU Drugs Agency outlines its priorities, focusing on the concept of preparedness to health and security challenges.

Publications16 February 2026

Pipes as an engagement tool: Qualitative findings from a crack equipment and harm reduction training intervention in England

Harris et al. find that providing inhalation equipment alongside workforce training facilitates stronger relationships between providers and people who use crack, and new engagement opportunities, despite enduring structural barriers.

Publications12 February 2026

A National Mission for Change: Putting People, Evidence and Rights at the Heart of Scotland’s Drug Policy  

The Scottish Drugs Forum published a human-centred list of recommendations for the incoming Scottish government, emphasising courageous policymaking and leading with compassion.

Publications12 February 2026

Analysis of results from cannabis pilot trials in Swiss cities

Evaluation of Switzerland’s cannabis pilot trials finds high participant satisfaction, no notable public-order incidents, and early signs that legal access models can reduce reliance on the illicit market.

News12 February 2026

UK: Green Party leader calls for system change in drugs policy

Polanski has called for a public health approach, with responsibly regulated drug markets, arguing that the current system pushes drug use into illegality, fueling risks and violence.

News12 February 2026

Why Europe should avoid the trap of repressive drug policy

The European Commission’s proposed 2026–2030 EU Drugs Strategy shifts emphasis toward enforcement and border control, prompting calls to prioritise harm reduction, housing, community-based care and rights-based approaches.

Events

14th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU 2026)

Prague, Czech Republic

6 October 2026 - 9 October 2026

INHSU 2026 will convene researchers, practitioners, advocates and people who use drugs in Prague to advance evidence-based approaches to HIV, hepatitis and harm reduction in substance use settings.

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