New enthusiasm for the future
The Drug Policy Network South East Europe held its 1st regular annual General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia on 29 and 30 November 2016. It was the opportunity for the extended number of member organisations to meet, analyse the work on establishing the Network and decide about the future work.
Thanks to the generous support from the Office for combating drugs of the Republic of Serbia, the
Assembly was held in the Palace Serbia, the governmental representative building. Representatives of 16
out of 18 member organisations participated, including 10 newly recognised members.
The Assembly adopted the report about the work in 2016 and financial report presenting participation in
the UNGASS process and stabilisation and positioning of the Network as the main activities. The plans for
2017 were also adopted, based on the strategic priorities proposed by the Board and ideas for possible
projects. Interim results of the research on the harm reduction and treatment services were presented and
the plan for completing it in 2017 were supported.
Changes in the Board were introduced to ensure that this governing body is active in implementing the
action plan. Tijana Žegura (Juventas, Montenegro) is elected new Chairperson and Vlatko Dekov (HOPS,
FYRO Macedonia) new Vice-Chair. While Denis Dedajić (Margina, Bosnia Herzegovina) and Saša Mijović (4 Life, Montenegro) remain members of the Board as Secretary and Member, newly elected Board members are Erlind Plaku (Aksion Plus, Albania) which will serve as Deputy Secretary, Marios Atzemis (Positive Voice, Greece) Treasurer and Nebojša Đurasović (Prevent, Serbia) as Deputy Treasurer.
The Assembly thanked outgoing Chairman Thanasis Apostolou and Board members Tanja Mandić, Bogdan
Glodeanu and Dragoș Roșca for their contribution to the Network.
Changes to the Statutes which were adopted ensure availability for wider scope of actions to the Network,
better define internal processes and ensure that a representative of the community of persons who use
drugs is in the Board. The first version of the Code of Conduct is also agreed to be the basis for governance.
The Assembly welcomed one new member organisation – Prometheus from Athens, Greece. The Network
now has 19 member organisations from 9 countries of South East Europe. Plans for enlargement in 2017
were confirmed so it is expected that new members will come soon!
A new and exciting period started and we hope that it be a fruitful one!