Cooperation and Partnership for Building Local Expertise on Drug-related Challenges

ongoing

"The drug phenomenon presents multifaceted challenges in European cities, affecting public health, security, and social cohesion. Drug use in public spaces leads to health risks, while trafficking fuels violence and instability. Local authorities, law enforcement, and social services often work in fragmented ways, lacking comprehensive knowledge on evolving drug markets, prevention, and harm reduction strategies. This project seeks to bridge these gaps by fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among stakeholders through the Erasmus+ programme. By training professionals such as local police, city prevention services, and youth/social workers, the project enhances their ability to address the complexities of drug-related issues. It advocates for an integrated, multi-stakeholder approach that balances prevention, health, and security concerns while upholding fundamental rights. The CAPABLE’s project will equip local practitioners with the tools to understand both the supply and demand aspects of drug-related issues. Special focus is given to youth, as they are particularly vulnerable to drug use and trafficking. Addressing root causes such as socio-economic disparities and marginalization is essential to reducing criminal involvement and health risks among young people. Aligned with EU priorities, the project contributes to vocational education and training (VET), strengthening the competencies of professionals working with at-risk youth. It promotes cross-border cooperation among cities, exchanging best practices to improve urban security and prevention strategies. A ""train-the-trainer"" model ensures the sustainability and scalability of the initiative, enhancing the capacity of local actors to develop evidence-based, integrated responses to drug challenges. Through international and professional cooperation, the project fosters a shared European approach to combating drug-related issues while ensuring social inclusion. "