According to UNODC’s World Drug Report 2015, it is estimated that a total of 246 million people around the world between the ages of 15 and 64 years have used an illicit drug in 2013. Although drug use has remained stable over the recent years, we must consider that around 27 million people are problem drug users (PDU), suffering from drug use disorders and drug dependence: 12.19 million of those problem drug users inject drugs, and an estimated 1.65 million of those injecting drugs were living with HIV in 2013.The Symposium will provide a timely opportunity for practitioners and stakeholders across Europe to discuss the latest challenges and consider the next steps needed to win the fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance misuse through holistic, multi-level and cross-border approaches.