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Institute for Rational Addiction Policies

IRAP

Multidisciplinární sdružení nezávislých a významných odborníků, kteří se věnují problematice závislostí ze všech úhlů pohledu – veřejné a individuální zdraví, legislativa a další právní důsledky, včetně bezpečnostních výzev, dále oblast ekonomie včetně tržních modelací, daňových, ekonomických dopadů do veřejných rozpočtů, oblast edukace a prevence a nakonec také oblasti sociální a sociologické a politologické.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU cardiovascular health plan

12 Sept 2025

The Institute for Rational Addiction Policies (IRAP) welcomes the European Commissions upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan but strongly opposes reliance on ineffective prohibitionist approaches that have historically failed to address addictions and related health risks. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the EUs leading cause of death, claiming over 13 million lives annually, with 60 million people currently affected. They cost the EU an estimated 282 billion each year, straining healthcare, reducing workforce productivity, and driving demand for care. Prevalence is projected to rise sharply by 2040. The EU has advanced cancer and non-communicable disease prevention through Europes Beating Cancer Plan and the Healthier Together initiative, but still lacks a dedicated, comprehensive CVD strategy. Such a plan must include: 1. Prevention of root causes: CVDs result from multiple risk factorsenvironmental, genetic, and behavioral. Addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy foods, plus sedentary lifestyles, high blood pressure, and poor diet, are closely linked with socio-economic and psychological vulnerabilities such as low income, job loss, grief, social isolation, and mental health issues. Policymakers should regulate proportionally: stronger measures for high-impact factors like smoking, lighter ones for lower-risk behaviors such as moderate caffeine use. Evidence-based prevention addressing these drivers can reduce incidence and promote long-term health. 2. Avoiding inefficient overregulation: Excessive restrictions or bans on addictive substances have proven counterproductive. U.S. Alcohol Prohibition (19201933) failed to reduce consumption, fueling illicit production, organized crime, and health harms from unsafe products. The global War on Drugs has cost trillions while failing to curb use, instead fostering black markets, rights violations, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups. Such policies divert resources from effective interventions, stigmatize users, and hinder access to support. An EU CVD plan must not repeat these mistakes, as prohibition worsens rather than alleviates disease burden. 3. Evidence-based harm reduction: For those unable or unwilling to quit, risk minimization is a proven alternative to prohibition. Endorsed by WHO and the EUDA, it includes safer options such as combustion-free nicotine products for smokers and moderated alcohol consumption guidelines, alongside accessible cessation support. Extending harm reduction from illicit to licit substances can significantly lower CVD risks without pushing consumers to illicit markets. Supporting innovative cessation and harm-reduction tools also aligns with the EUs role in international forums like the upcoming COP11 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. By empowering individuals, particularly vulnerable groups, to make healthier choices, overall CVD prevalence can be reduced. IRAP urges the Commission to adopt rational, comprehensive addiction strategies within the EU CVD Plan, focusing on prevention and harm reduction to substantially cut the burden of cardiovascular disease. IRAP is a multidisciplinary association of independent experts addressing addiction from public health, legal, security, socio-economic, preventive, and sociological perspectives.
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Meeting with Jo De Cock (Head of Unit Migration and Home Affairs)

2 Jul 2025 · Exchange of views on the development of the new Drugs Strategy.