On January 26, 2024, the city of Amsterdam hosted a groundbreaking international conference on the legal regulation of drugs, spearheaded by Mayor Femke Halsema, a vocal advocate for drug policy reform. The event united policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives in acknowledging the failures and human rights violations caused by over fifty years of drug prohibition. Emphasising the importance of advancing effective and humane drug policies at the city level, the conference garnered support from several current and former mayors worldwide. While Amsterdam has long been at the forefront of decriminalisation and harm reduction efforts, discussions around legal regulation have been, until now, relatively limited. The conference underscored the importance of ensuring fair and socially just legal regulation, including reparations and affirmative action to those unfairly and disproportionately affected by the war on drugs, and the importance of guarding drug markets against excessive ‘corporate capture’. The event represents a turning point in drug policy reform, especially within policymaking circles, marking a significant stride towards drug policies grounded in health and human rights. At the city level, Amsterdam is taking the lead in proposing innovative approaches to drug regulation, moving the conversation beyond cannabis, and firmly placing the regulation of substances like cocaine and MDMA on the agenda.

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.