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On January 24, 2025, the Royal Palace of Milan hosted the National Meeting of ELIDE, the network of Italian cities for innovative drug policies. This national event brought together local administrators, experts, and civil society representatives to redesign drug policies from the ground up. Under the theme “Rethinking Drug Policies: Cities, Best Practices, and Necessary Innovations,” participants reaffirmed the urgency of addressing substance use issues with innovative and integrated approaches.
A Human and Innovative Approach
The ELIDE network, which connects local authorities committed to promoting innovative drug policies, is based on the awareness that repressive models adopted so far have not only failed but have also fueled marginalization and stigmatization. Cities, as the epicenter of substance use dynamics, have the responsibility to build concrete, inclusive, and sustainable responses. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss current challenges and envision solutions centered on human rights, public health, and harm reduction.
Fundamental Principles for Structural Change
From the discussions, a final declaration emerged, highlighting five key guiding principles for a paradigm shift:
1.The Right to Health – Every person must have access to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services without discrimination.
2.Harm Reduction – Moving beyond punitive approaches in favor of policies based on scientific evidence.
3.Social Inclusion – Ensuring dignity and respect for those affected, while combating stigmatization.
4.Territorial Innovation – Adapting policies to local specificities, with cities acting as laboratories for innovation.
5.Participation and Transparency – Engaging all stakeholders – institutions, professionals, and citizens – in an ongoing and constructive dialogue.
Requests to the Government and the Commitment of Cities
In anticipation of the National Drug Conference, scheduled for November 2025 in Rome, ELIDE representatives have put forward specific requests to the Italian government. These include stable funding for harm reduction services, reform of repressive regulations, empowerment of local authorities, and strengthening coordination between institutions and civil society.
The cities within the ELIDE network have pledged to share best practices, develop innovative local policies, and collaborate to build a fairer and more equitable future. This commitment translates into a model of social governance that values human dignity and cooperation across all institutional levels.
The Future Starts from Cities
The Final Declaration of the ELIDE National Meeting highlights how cities aim to drive change, calling on the government to recognize their strategic role by providing adequate support and resources. Only in this way will it be possible to build a drug policy system based on inclusion, scientific evidence, and human rights.
Through this event, the network of cities that gathered in Milan, alongside civil society, reaffirmed itself as a hub of social and political innovation, paving the way for a more humane and inclusive vision for the future of drug policies in Italy and Europe.
Download the final declaration.
