On 23 September, the Informal Group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Drug Policy was launched at the European Parliament under the leadership of 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 aim is to promote evidence-based and 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 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 underlined the importance of involving EU institutions, Member States, and candidate governments in ensuring that drug policy reforms became part of negotiations with candidate countries within the EU accession process. It will help to protect the rights, security, and health of populations.

Pavel Bem, 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: priority to health and public health: promotion of prevention, harm reduction and innovative treatment; access to essential medicines and pain control; decriminalization and decarcerating of people who use drugs; refocus of enforcement responses to drug trafficking and organized crime; and regulated drug market by governments.

MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin emphasized 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 states and candidate countries were part of the meeting and will continue playing a meaningful role in this dialogue.