As Europe is expanding and transforming, it is facing dozens of challenges, complications and limitations. Some situations are alike, familiar, even’ chronic’ (e.g. health situation of majority population of opiate users), others situations new and unknown (e.g. trans-European migration or the size and nature of problems in Roma communities in CEE).

The situation in the various regions is complex, diverse, often persistent and in some cases alarming (e.g. HIV situation in Baltic region.) The living conditions as well as health and social perspectives for drug users, sex workers, disenfranchised ethnic minorities, and vulnerable youth are critical.
Traditional harm reducing reponses as being developed over the last 25 years are being questioned despite the experience and existing evidence and in some cases rolled back. General tendency in the majority of European countries is to have public order prevail over public health and social inclusion.

Grass root professionals and other involved like service providers and interest groups often feel unsupported and unable to do their work. On the other hand policy makers are often unaware of the situation on the street and the actual implications of their efforts. Communication between both actors is vital. But actual practise shows often poor and inadequate levels of communication in order to face the mutual tasks. All actors feel isolated on their side of the arena.

Aim of the policy and practice debates

General objective of the policy debate stream is to stimulate and to support the development of comprehensive national policies on social inclusion and health promotion among marginalized population, by providing a dialogue platform with policy makers, service providers and interest groups.

We expect that the planned activities will contribute to more knowledge and insight on the current situation on national as well on European level.