Call: Gathering knowledge and exchanging best practises on measures to prevent illicit drug use in line with the minimum quality standards in drug demand reduction

The EU is required by its founding treaty to ensure that human health is protected as part of all its policies, and to work with the EU countries to improve public health, prevent human illness and eliminate sources of danger to physical and mental health. The 3rd Health Programme has 4 overarching objectives:

1. Promote health, prevent diseases and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles taking into account the 'health in all policies' principle,
2. Protect Union citizens from serious cross-border health threats,
3. Contribute to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems,
4. Facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for Union citizens.

Illicit drug use is a major problem for individuals, families and communities. There is an increasing trend of polydrug use, including licit substances like alcohol and illicit substances. In addition, there is an increase in new psychoactive substances. Young adults are especially at risk. The aim of this action is to prevent and delay the age of onset of illicit drug use. It should generate and promote new and innovative good practices of prevention measures (in particular measures aimed at preventing polydrug use and use of new psychoactive substances), thus supporting the EU Action Plan on Drugs and the implementation of the minimum quality standard in drug demand reduction.

Description of the activities to be funded under a call for proposals

The activities should aim at testing methods/tools and at identifying good practices on preventing illicit drug use and delay onset of use. A particular focus should be given to prevention measures aimed at young adults to prevent polydrug use including alcohol and the use of new psychoactive substances. The measures considered should address risk factors such as age, gender and cultural and social factors, drug use in night life settings and work place and driving under influence. In addition, prevention measures in settings such as prisons might be included. The focus of activities should be aimed at selective preventions targeting vulnerable groups (in particular lower socio economic groups) The internet and its role in distribution and as knowledge base should be taken into account.

Grant applications are eligible if submitted by legal persons. More specifically, the applicants must be legally established organisations, public authorities, public sector bodies, in particular research and health institutions, universities and higher education establishments. The application shall state the legal status of the applicant.  

Applicants participating in a project proposal have to be different legal entities (i.e. independent from each other) from at least 3 countries participating in the Health Programme. Proposals which involve fewer applicants will be rejected.

1. Find the call on the participant portal:
   • https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/index.html
2. Create an account to submit a proposal:
   • http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/organisations/register.html
3. Register all partners via the beneficiary registry:
   • http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/organisations/register.html Applicants will be informed in writing about the results of the selection process.