Western Europe

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

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.

Events

International Chemsex Conference: Optimising support and care for people engaging in chemsex

Antwerp, Belgium

3 March 2026 - 5 March 2026

A transdisciplinary conference examining the complex realities of chemsex and advancing evidence-based, harm reduction and gender-responsive approaches to support and care, grounded in community expertise and human rights.

News27 January 2026

Hungary infringed EU law by voting against the Council’s common position regarding the rescheduling of cannabis, EU Court rules

The European Commission may seek financial penalties if it considers that Hungary fails to comply with the judgment.

News15 January 2026

United Kingdom: Opioid overdose reversal drug could be rolled out more widely in 2026

As opioid deaths reach record highs, the UK government is considering placing life-saving naloxone emergency boxes in public spaces nationwide.

News8 January 2026

'Stop the deaths' – Uniting against preventable overdoses in Scotland

Scotland’s "Stop the Deaths" conference highlighted a critical gap where evidence-based policies like safe consumption rooms and same-day treatment struggle to keep pace with a public health emergency, claiming over 1,000 lives annually.

Publications20 December 2025

Operational and clinical procedures of heroin-assisted treatment in Switzerland: a nation-wide survey study

Meyer reviews Swiss heroin-assisted treatment, concluding that it is accessible, safe, and patient-centred.

News11 December 2025

Dance for freedom: Rave revolution in front of the Hungarian Parliament

Thousands gathered to protest Hungary's escalating police harassment of musicians, clubs and young people.

News10 December 2025

New EU Drug Strategy risks undermining health, harm reduction and human rights - Joint letter by 84 civil society organisations

We join 83 organisations urging EU Member States to revise the proposed Drug Strategy and reject a trafficking-only Action Plan, to ensure harm reduction, health and human rights remain central to EU drug policy.

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