Cyprus advocates for EU-wide drug trafficking measures at Yerevan summit

During the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides advocated for stronger collective action against drug trafficking. The discussion focused on the European Coalition to Combat Drugs (ECAD), an initiative previously spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a summit in Copenhagen. President Christodoulides highlighted the importance of port security, maritime surveillance, and the disruption of organized smuggling networks. He noted that the European Council adopted an updated drugs strategy in March under the Cypriot presidency, which is currently being implemented. The participants endorsed a joint declaration built on three pillars: combating maritime trafficking, addressing financial crime, and reducing drug demand. Christodoulides emphasized that while enforcement is crucial, prevention remains a central pillar of EU policy to protect citizens from social consequences.