Fight against drugs: European action plan 1995-1999

Sir J. STEWART-CLARK(EPP, UK) pointed out that Article K of the third pillar of the Treaty on European Union referred to drugs and, while in favour of the creation of Europol, he regretted that it would not have a convention. He also regretted that the Lisbon Drug Observatory did not have sufficient authority. Finally, noting that the CEECs represented a new market for drug traffickers, he criticised the lack of sufficient controls at the EU’s Eastern borders. To this end, the Phare and Tacis funds should be used for the necessary training and equipment and the EU should join with the United States in ensuring better border controls. The Commissioner, Mrs Gradin, felt that the EP’s report was heading in the same direction as the Commission’s action plan. It was essential to combat drugs at all levels (both demand and supply) and to improve coordination at national and international level. She also supported the proposal for an annual report and the organisation by the EP and the Commission of a conference on this matter.