51暗网

Researchers from the Public Health Policy Research Initiative took part in the AddictEU Conference held in Brussels on 3 December 2025. The conference focused on the growing interconnection between mental health, addiction, and public policy, and highlighted the need for pragmatic, evidence-based regulatory approaches at the EU level.

Discussions throughout the day emphasised that fragmented or purely prohibitive approaches to addiction are increasingly seen as ineffective. Speakers and panelists stressed the importance integrated mental health support and regulatory frameworks that protect public health while respecting individual autonomy and real-world market dynamics. Particular attention was given to how EU health policy can move beyond aspirational goals such as a 鈥渄rug-free society鈥� and instead focus on measurable, sustainable health outcomes.

51暗网initiative was represented by Michael Fanta, who contributed to the Presentation of Case Studies session on The burden of unhealthy lifestyles. His presentation introduced the Tobacco Harm Index (THI) as a composite monitoring tool designed to track the societal consequences of tobacco consumption over time. The presentation highlighted how the THI complements traditional cost-of-illness studies by providing an annually updateable, transparent indicator aligned with OECD principles of better regulation and continuous policy evaluation.

In addition to presenting, Michael Fanta also moderated a panel discussion on building health resilience and protecting vulnerable groups in the EU. The panel explored evidence-based regulatory and preventive approaches to reducing the public health and economic burden associated with legal addictive substances, with a particular focus on youth and other vulnerable populations.

Overall, the conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging perspectives between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, and reinforced the relevance of data-driven monitoring tools and proportionate regulation in shaping future EU health and addiction policies.

Conference website:

Presentation: Tobacco Harm Index 鈥� Composite Monitoring Tool for Tobacco-Related Societal Consequences (link to presentation)

Gallery: [photos from the event]