Brussels, 24/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 April, the European Parliament adopted by 600 votes to 35 and 32 abstentions an own-initiative report by Giusto Catania (GUE/NGL, Italy) stressing the need to bolster the role of the civil society in the Union's policy to combat drugs. “This is a real contribution to counter prohibitionist (repressive v. legalisation) policies implemented by the majority of member states”, Mr Catania was pleased to state after the vote on his report. As the EU is experiencing a rise in drug consumption due in particular to the fall in drug prices, MEPs stated that civil society could bring its experience to bear when it comes to prevention, information, support and social reinsertion. They also stressed that action undertaken by churches and religious communities in combating this scourge have been ineffective. They pointed to the need for strengthened synergy between civil society and the European institutions. The fight against drug use above all lies in information, MEPs pointed out, placing emphasis on better access to programmes for prevention and awareness, and on the partnership with the media, especially electronic. The report invites the EU, in cooperation with the civil society, to promote reconversion of local crops, such as coca leaf, to therapeutic purposes or other medical purposes. (B.C.)