EUPC Implementation in Greece.

Abstract

The European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) was introduced in Greece through the European Commission co-funded project, ASAP training. In this project, a comprehensive training on EUPC for decision-, opinion- and policy-makers was developed with basic and advanced modules. The first EUPC trainings in Greece began in 2019. Since then, both the basic and the advanced modules of the EUPC have been offered by four accredited trainers. Between 2019 and mid-2024, EUPC training engaged 89 professionals. Trainings are conducted based on the Trainer's Guide developed under ASAP, with updates incorporated when available by the EUDA, ensuring alignment with the latest evidence in the science of prevention. While maintaining fidelity to Trainer's Guide, minor adaptations, such as extending the duration, have been introduced to better suit stakeholders involved so far, encouraging reflection on current practices and enhancing engagement. EUPC has contributed to the establishment of a common language in prevention, updating professionals with current evidence-based practices, and fostering critical reflection on existing practices. Despite challenges such as resistance to change and the need for structured evaluations of EUPC trainings, the curriculum has empowered professionals by reinforcing the importance of rigorous, systematic approaches in designing and implementing prevention strategies and interventions. Future plans aim to expand EUPC's reach into the education sector and address broader risk behaviours, while expanding its reach to regional and local levels as well as ensuring its sustainability. These initiatives underscore EUPC's pivotal role in shaping a cohesive prevention framework that benefits both local communities and national policy objectives.