41.The European Council is deeply concerned by the threat to our societies posed by drugs.It endorses the key elements of an EU strategy to tackle all aspects of the problem in 2000-2004 and asks the Council and the Commission to develop this into a comprehensive plan as a basis for action.Cooperation among all countries to combat drugs is vital and the European Council therefore welcomes the success of the United Nations' initiative to hold a General Assembly Special Session on that subject.This cooperation should include all aspects of the drugs problem : natural and synthetic drugs, drug misuse, trafficking and money laundering, and treatment and rehabilitation.The other regions and, in particular, developing further cooperation with the applicant countries, including through the European Conference.

42.The Community and the Member States should continue to implement and update the Action Plan on the influx of migrants from Iraq and the neighbouring region.It invites the Council to build on this work in order to be prepared for comparable influxes in future.

43. The European Council welcomes the start of work by the Management Board of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.It looks forward to the early opening of the centre itself.It also welcomes the Commission's Action Plan against racism and looks forward to proposals for further common action.

CENTURY DATE CHANGE PROBLEM

44. Problems for information technology and other electronic systems arising from the year 2000 could have serious cross-border effects.It is therefore important that Member States share best practice in addressing the problem.

45. National programmes should raise awareness and prescribe action to minimise disruption.Such action should include ensuring millennium compliance in critical systems in the state sector, contingency planning and appropriate training to address skill shortages.The issue should continue to receive top priority.The Commission is invited to report on progress before the Vienna European Council.

PREPARING V.DEVELOPING THE UNION

TO IMPLEMENT THE TREATY OF AMSTERDAM

46.Ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam is well underway.The European Council looks forward to its early entry into force.

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