As the European union begins to bring all European countries together, it is of the greatest importance that all countries agree on various aspects of everyday life. It is important that these member countries agree on laws, policies, and other such aspects that could affect the overall integration of the union. As the Netherlands holds its role as possibly the most liberal nation in the world, coupled with its overwhelmingly positive international image, it would be hard for anyone to see their policies or procedures causing any kind of disruption among the European countries. But, as the EU tries to smooth any apparent differences that exist among its members it is Holland's policy on drugs that appears a stumbling block to their integration of all common laws. The Netherlands drug policy has also caused problems in their society that has caused many to call for a tightening of the legislation, and a tougher stand on drugs.
             For 20 years now the Netherlands has administered a policy on drugs that sees the legalization of soft drugs such as cannabis in their society, a policy that is frowned upon by other EU member countries as being irresponsible and foolish. The legalization of soft drugs has caused its problems in Holland. Although they have handled cannabis in a harm-reducing way- the Dutch now use fewer soft drugs and hard drugs than any of the other EU countries-(1) it hasn't stopped the Netherlands from being a crossroads in Europe for the trafficking of hard drugs. The trafficking of heroin and cocaine in Europe has for a long time used Holland as a main supply route and their drug policy has subsequently facilitated the hard-drug barons who make Amsterdam and Rotterdam their bases. There are also increased incidences of HIV infection among drug users in Holland (which has well developed syringe exchange centers and injection clinics- another disagreeable Dutch policy with their European co!
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