Embassy of Sweden in Vienna Hosts Austrian–Swedish Expert Roundtable on Opioid Agonist Treatment and Policy
Swedish Embassy convened Austrian and Swedish experts on opioid treatment policy
April 02nd, 2026
The Embassy of Sweden in Vienna hosted the first Austrian–Swedish Expert Roundtable on Opioid Agonist Treatment and Policy on 10 March at Schwedenhaus in Vienna. The event focused on a central and timely question: how prepared Europe is for a potential opioid crisis, and what changes may be required to help prevent one.
Held alongside this week’s annual session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the Vienna International Centre, the roundtable brought together senior experts from Austria and Sweden. The meeting provided a valuable platform for bilateral exchange on best practices between two countries facing both shared and distinct challenges in addressing what has historically been referred to as opioid addiction. More than forty Austrian and Swedish experts from government, healthcare, academia and industry contributed to the discussion, offering insights into the strengths, limitations and future direction of their respective national approaches to opioid agonist treatment.
Among the key points highlighted during the roundtable was the importance of an evidence-based, structured and integrated national approach. This includes a comprehensive narcotics strategy and continuously updated clinical guidelines informed by real-world experience. Participants also underlined the role of automated registries in enabling patient follow-up and supporting evidence-based policymaking, as well as the need for systematic collaboration across national policy structures, municipalities, opioid agonist treatment providers, psychiatric services and primary care.
The discussions further emphasised the value of a patient-centred and holistic approach that assesses and makes use of available agonist treatment options in combination with psychosocial support. Participants also noted the continued urgency of addressing persistent stigma surrounding addiction and treatment, recognising this as an important element in strengthening effective and inclusive policy responses.
The roundtable reflected a shared interest in continued professional exchange and highlighted the value of bilateral cooperation in addressing evolving policy and treatment challenges in this area.
