In January 2022, Ukraine will become a full member of the Pompidu Group — Denis Monastyrsky
Today, October 28, the delegation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs took part in a solemn celebration on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the activities of the Pompidou Group, an important international organization to overcome the problems of drug addiction and drug trafficking.
During his speech at the official meeting, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denis Monastyrsky confirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Internal Affairs together with the Ministry of Health to represent Ukraine in the activities of the Pompidu Group, both at the expert level and as a regular correspondent.
“We are very pleased to be present at such a historic event. On behalf of Ukraine, I congratulate the Pompidou Group on its 50th anniversary. I am pleased to say that cooperation between Ukraine and the Pompidou Group already has a previous success story. And from January 2022, Ukraine will become a full member of the organization. In this regard, a new active stage will begin for our country in the development of national anti-drug policy, opening of interstate dialogue, exchange of best experience and effective cooperation,” said Denis Monastyrsky.
The head of the law enforcement agency stressed that this year, by the joint efforts of the state authorities of Ukraine, the Strategy for State Drug Policy until 2030 was developed, which preserved all the important principles outlined in the previous Strategy, developed with the support of the Pompidou Group. The new Strategy is currently awaiting early approval and further effective implementation.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijarto said in his speech about the problem of organized crime and the supply of the potent drug “opium” from Afghanistan. In addition, he stressed the important role of Ukraine, which is expected from membership in the Pompidou Group, to prevent and combat these phenomena.
In her turn, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Maria Peychinovich-Burych also congratulated Ukraine on joining the Pompidou Group.
It is worth noting that cooperation with the Pompidou Group will open up prospects for cooperation of law enforcement agencies — monitoring and prevention of drug addiction, treatment and rehabilitation of addicted people.
In addition, Ukrainian law enforcement officers will have an additional opportunity to adopt foreign experience in combating drug trafficking.
For reference: The Pompidou Group is an intergovernmental body that has been part of the Council of Europe since 1980. Its main tasks include the implementation of a comprehensive study of the problems of drug abuse and their illicit trafficking, as well as the development and implementation of comprehensive measures to combat drug addiction at the national, regional and local levels. Within the framework of the European integration course, Ukraine is planned to join the Pompidou Group in the near future (draft law No. 0114 of 18.06.2021).
As a reminder, Ukraine and France are strengthening cooperation in the law enforcement sphere.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
