EU’s Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP-8) Launches Needs Assessment Workshops in Uzbekistan
On 23 June 2026 – EU-funded Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP 8) has launched 2-days Needs Assessment Workshops focusing on supply reduction and security and demand reduction and health. The workshops are organised by CADAP-8 in cooperation with the Drug and Firearms Control Agency under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
These events marked an important milestone in the inception phase of CADAP 8. They brought together representatives of government institutions, international organisations, academia, and civil society to identify priorities, challenges, and opportunities for future cooperation under the Programme.
The workshop on 23 June has focused on Component 1 – Supply Reduction and Security. The participants from law enforcement, justice, customs, border management, and related institutions have discussed national priorities and technical cooperation needs to combat illicit drug trafficking and organised crime.
The workshop on 24 June has focused on Component 2 – Demand Reduction and Health. The representatives from the health, education, social protection, and research sectors, as well as civil society organisations, have exchanged views on strengthening prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, social reintegration, and evidence-based drug policies.
The opening sessions were featured representatives of the Government of Uzbekistan, the European Union, CADAP 8 and international partner organisations. During the workshops, experts from Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP, Spain), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and CIVIPOL (France) presented the objectives and planned areas of intervention of the Programme.
The discussions and recommendations generated during the workshops contributed to the development of the CADAP 8 work plan in Uzbekistan, ensuring that future activities are aligned with national priorities, international standards and a balanced, evidence-based and human rights-centred approach to drug policy.
Background
CADAP 8 is funded by EU and implemented by a consortium led by the FIAP, in partnership with CIVIPOL and UNODC. Overall objective is reduce drug supply and demand in the region (Central Asia) in order to promote regional stability and improve public security. Total budget is EUR 18 million.