The Joint Expert Group tasked with developing policy guidelines on combating organised crime relating to drug trafficking based on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (OC-DT) held its third meeting in Paris on 28–29 April 2025. This marked the first in person session of the Group.

The focus of the meeting was the review of the draft Background Study for Policy Guidelines on combating organised crime relating to drug trafficking, based on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights prepared by two independent experts, which will serve as the foundation for future policy guidelines addressing drug trafficking as one of the forms of organised crime.

Members of the OC-DT Group engaged in discussions on the definitions and interconnections between organised crime and drug trafficking. They explored the current legal frameworks, emerging trends and discussed the challenges that arise from these complex issues. The jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has played a significant role in shaping an extensive part of the study and consequently of the discussions.

The Report is expected to yield actionable findings and Recommendations that will serve as a foundation for the development of the Guidelines on combating organised crime relating to drug trafficking.

A presentation, which focused on the assessment of publicly reported incidents of illicit diversion and falsification of medicines was made by a MEDICRIME expert. The report supports the “Countering Falsified Medical Products Global Programme” (CRIMFAMED), aimed at promoting the implementation of MEDICRIME Convention. The presentation shed light on ongoing threats to public health and the integrity of medical supply chains.

The third meeting was concluded with setting the agenda for its next meeting, which will be held on 7-8 July 2025 in Strasbourg.