On 23 September, the Informal Group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Drug Policy was launched at the European Parliament, led by MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis and MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin.

The Group provides a cross-party platform for dialogue with members of the European Parliament, EU institutions, and candidate countries. Its goal is to promote evidence-based, human rights-oriented drug policies, contributing to the development of the upcoming EU Drug Strategy and supporting reforms in countries engaged in the EU accession process.

During the launch, MEP and Regional Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis presented the forthcoming position paper “Accession to the European Union: An Opportunity for Drug Policy Reform That Cannot Be Missed”, on behalf of the Eastern and Central European and Central Asian Commission on Drug Policy (ECECACD). He emphasized the importance of involving EU institutions, Member States, and candidate governments to ensure that drug policy reforms are integrated into accession negotiations, protecting the rights, security, and health of populations.

Pavel Bém, member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, contributed to the discussion, emphasizing scientific and evidence-based approach towards drug policy. He outlined key pathways to balanced drug policy, including putting health and community safety first, ensuring equitable access to controlled medicines; ensuring access to controlled medicines; ending the criminalization of people who use or possess drugs; refocusing enforcement responses on drug trafficking and organized crime; and establishing regulated drug markets to put governments, rather than organized crime, in control.

MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin highlighted the critical role of parliamentary engagement in shaping drug policy reform and the forthcoming EU Drug Strategy. Under his co-leadership, the Group will continue to serve as a forum for cross-party and intersectoral cooperation.

Civil society representatives from EU Member States and candidate countries participated in the meeting and will continue playing a meaningful role in this dialogue.