On July 1-2 2025, the fourth and final meeting of the Steering Committee of the 7th phase CADAP Programme brought together delegates of national beneficiary agencies from Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, representatives of the European Union, embassies and international organizations, international experts in the field of drug control and non-governmental
organizations.
During the meeting main results of the Programme and future plans are being presented together
with best practices and lessons learnt and also a constructive professional dialogue and panel
discussions among experts and beneficiaries from Central Asian countries are being held.
H.E. Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Tajikistan: “The European Union
has long supported Central Asia through initiatives like CADAP and BOMCA, achieving tangible
results in border security, law enforcement, and health systems. However, as criminal networks and
the synthetic drug threat evolve, our response must adapt — emphasizing intelligence sharing,
innovation, and regional cooperation. We believe in a balanced approach that addresses public
health, human rights, and social resilience. Drug addiction is a societal challenge, not just a law
enforcement issue. The European Union remains committed to supporting accessible treatment,
prevention, and community engagement, especially for youth and vulnerable groups. The fight
against drugs requires trust, transparency, and solidarity — and the EU is proud to stand alongside
Central Asia as a dedicated partner in building a safer, healthier, and more resilient future.”
Mr. Sohibzoda Khisrav, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan: „ CADAP
programme has been one of the key instruments of support for Central Asian countries from the
European Union in the fight against drug threats, strengthening public health and protecting the
most vulnerable categories of citizens for more than two decades. What is especially important is
that CADAP allows us not only to exchange information, but also to solve complex problems
covering both national and regional and transnational aspects. CADAP is deservedly considered a
stable partner of our region. Thanks to this initiative, the Central Asian countries were able to
strengthen national mechanisms, improve the legislative framework, introduce modern approaches
to the prevention and treatment of drug addiction, and expand the human resources of specialized
institutions”.
H.E. Luis Francisco Martinez Montes, Ambassador of Spain to Tajikistan highlighted the involvement
of the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs. “CADAP has played a key role in
bringing Central Asia closer to European institutions ”, he emphasized.
