Addressing the Drug Problem Also Identified as a Priority in the Joint Leaders’ Declaration Adopted in Yerevan: Minister of Internal Affairs Participates in the European Cities Against Drugs Summit

Rimini, Italy, hosted the high-level international summit of the European Cities Against Drugs (ECAD), attended by Arpine Sargsyan, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

In her speech, the Minister outlined Armenia’s commitment to combating drugs and underscored the importance of international cooperation in this area.

Speakers at the summit included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, and other high-ranking officials.

Minister Sargsyan expressed her gratitude to the Governments of Italy and France for organising the summit and bringing together representatives from different countries around a common goal.

In her speech, the Minister emphasised that illicit drug trafficking has long been a challenge that transcends national borders, affecting public health, communities and people’s lives. She noted that an effective response requires a comprehensive, balanced and people-centred approach that involves not only reducing drug availability, but also reducing vulnerability, strengthening resilience and ensuring access to the necessary support.

Arpine Sargsyan emphasised that addressing the drug problem had also been identified as a priority in the Joint Leaders’ Declaration adopted in Yerevan on 4 May 2026.

Referring to the key challenges in this area, Minister Sargsyan highlighted the growing availability of synthetic drugs, the emergence of new psychoactive substances and the increasing role of digital platforms in their distribution.

In this context, the Minister stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation, highlighting the significance of Armenia’s accession to the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats in 2023.

Arpine Sargsyan also outlined the steps taken by Armenia to combat drugs. She noted that, in line with the commitment undertaken at the 67th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Government of the Republic of Armenia approved the Strategy for Combating the Non-Medical Use of and Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, together with its related Action Plan for 2025–2027, in June 2025.

The Minister explained that the Strategy encompasses three interrelated key areas: prevention; combating illicit drug trafficking; and the treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of people with drug dependence.

“For us, this is not just another policy document. It reflects a significant change in our approach to the issue. For Armenia, this Strategy is an important step towards developing a more comprehensive and balanced national response,” Arpine Sargsyan noted.

The Minister emphasised that an effective drug policy cannot be limited to law enforcement measures alone. In this context, she highlighted the healthcare component, particularly the provision of free methadone treatment and the introduction of relevant guidelines.

Arpine Sargsyan noted that Armenia is consistently strengthening its capacity to combat illicit drug trafficking and organised criminal groups, recognising this as an important prerequisite for protecting public health and security.

Minister Sargsyan also highlighted the importance of integrated border management, stating: “As Armenia’s Chief Negotiator for the Armenia–EU visa liberalisation process, I would like to emphasise that integrated border management is a key priority and will contribute to our efforts to combat cross-border crime, including illicit drug trafficking.”

 Addressing international cooperation, the Minister stated that efforts to finalise a working arrangement with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) were nearing completion. Cooperation with partners through INTERPOL and Europol channels is also ongoing.

At the conclusion of her speech, Arpine Sargsyan expressed confidence that the commitments undertaken at the summit would translate into meaningful and tangible progress towards addressing shared challenges.

The Minister also expressed hope that international cooperation would continue to develop on the basis of shared responsibility for protecting public safety and health, supporting people affected by addiction and building healthier, more resilient societies.

The Armenian delegation at the summit also included Lena Nanushyan, Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia; Hayk Harutyunyan, Head of the Yerevan City Department of the Criminal Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; and other representatives.