Thursday, 26 March 2026
Union of Cities of Slovakia has prompted a coordinated response from Bratislava, Trnava and Nitra, which, together with several non-governmental organisations, are seeking to address the growing availability of new psychoactive substances.
The three cities, working alongside organisations including STORM, OZ Odyseus, OZ Prima and OZ KASPIAN, have highlighted increasing concerns over the accessibility of such substances, particularly among children and young people. The initiative builds on existing cooperation in risk reduction and addiction prevention, with stakeholders pointing to a rise in intoxication cases and potential impacts on mental health.
According to the participating organisations, the current lack of effective regulation remains a key issue, especially in relation to sales through vending machines and online platforms, where age verification and product oversight are limited.
The coordinated effort aims to introduce a more unified approach, combining policy engagement with practical measures based on field experience. This includes proposals to limit access for minors, strengthen prevention and education programmes, and improve oversight of sales channels.
The group has also expressed its readiness to contribute to the preparation of new legislation on psychoactive substances, offering expertise from direct work with communities, schools and young people. Their involvement is intended to ensure that any regulatory framework is both practical and enforceable.
A central focus of the initiative is improving awareness and prevention. Stakeholders emphasise the need for clear and accessible information about the risks associated with these substances, alongside education programmes that support decision-making, resilience and risk recognition.
Field experts continue to engage directly with young people in schools, public spaces and events, providing factual information and guidance on how to respond in potentially risky situations. The broader objective is to reduce harm by combining prevention, education and improved regulation, particularly in protecting minors from unrestricted access to these substances.
