International Relations
1. CONCEPT/ VISION/ SCOPE
It is a fact that criminality and international organized crime in particular, can be considered "borderless institutions" whose extent and network can rival the most developed structures of the international bodies. Considering this fact, the institutions active in the field of the fight against drug trafficking and drug use are cooperating with the similar regional, European and international institutions, and especially with those from the member or associated states of the EU, as well as with the appropriate international institutions (the INTERPOL, the EUROPOL, the UN Program for Drug Control, the EU Permanent Committees, etc.)
2. GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The international character of the drug issue entails an increase both of the national and international cooperation, the international cooperation and collaboration being crucial to a successful approach of this issue.38
Romania will promote the international cooperation in the fight against the drug phenomenon by means of integration in the western structures and by playing an active role in the international dialog related to drugs, considering the following principles:
- The common responsibility of all the states involved in the fight against this plague;
- A multilateral, integrated, balanced and active approach, at conceptual level and at the level of institutions directly and indirectly involved in the prevention and fight against drug use as well as other illegal activities related to it;
- Complying with the international legislation, especially when respecting other states' sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as fundamental human rights and liberties.
1. The harmonization of the domestic legislation according to the European legislation
2. Establish and strengthen the work relations in the framework of the international networks that develop programs for combating and prevent drug use and addiction
3. Strengthen the co-operation with the European agencies involved in preventing activities, especially with the European Monitoring Center for Drug and Drug Addiction.
3. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The existing specific objectives are categorized in five directions: coordination, EU relations, relation with other international bodies, bilateral relations and evaluation.
I. Coordination
The co-ordination of international relations in respect of drug issues is accomplished by the National Anti-drug Agency through its specific structure. This Unit will gather the necessary information from the national and international bodies directly and indirectly involved in the fight against drugs. This information will be used to accomplish the international cooperation functions.
This Unit will ensure the data flow between the institutions involved at a national level, and on request at an international level.
- Intensifying the international cooperation in matter of penal assistance, in view of integration into the EUROJUST system, including through the liaison magistrates.
II. The relations with EU organisms: EMCDDA and Europol
Acquis communautaire
Given the irreversible process of joining the European Union, Romania will adopt and implement the acquis communautaire and the best practices in the field. Accordingly, Romania will act in respect with the objectives established by the European Drug Strategy 2000 - 2004 and it will carry out the activities provided in the EU drug related Action Plan 2000 - 2004.
Romania will participate in the EU programs in the framework of strengthening the Community's policies on drugs.
The EMCDDA (European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction)
Romania will take steps regarding the signing of an agreement for the rapid adheretion at the EMCDDA structure and will continue to cooperate with this institution and submit the Annual Report regarding the Romania Situation on Drugs.
The Europol
An international agreement of co-operation stipulating provisions regarding the information exchange and common actions to be taken in the fight against drugs will be signed between Romania and the Europol.39
III. The relations with other international bodies
The United Nations Organization
Romania will play an active role in the efforts made by the UNO and by the UN Drug Control Program (UNDCP), especially in those meant to develop the international cooperation based on the principles stated during the June 1998 UN General Assembly Special Session.
Romania will also be involved in several programs initiated by the UN in this field and will follow the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Body (INCB).
Romania takes part in the works and programs of other agencies and initiatives in this field (the World Health Organization, the World Customs Organization, OIPC Interpol, the Stability Pact).
The SECI Center
Romania will continue to promote the activity of fight against illegal drug use and trafficking within the Regional Center dealing with the prevention and fight against cross-border criminality in South-Eastern European Countries.
The European Council - The Pompidou Group
Romania wishes to become a full member of this Group and remains open to all the Group's initiatives and programs for technical cooperation.
IV. Bilateral relations
Romania's bilateral relations with its neighbor countries will be strengthened by means of drug-related bilateral cooperation agreements, information and experience exchange.
The process of signing bilateral agreements with the member countries of the EU and the NATO will continue.
Romania will seek to sign bilateral agreements with the countries considered to have a high risk in drug related issues.
Romania will try to sign mutual contracts with the countries directly or indirectly involved in drug related issues, taking into account their evolution.
