Safeguarding rights in EU drug policy - Contribution to the European Commission's call for evidence on the EU drugs strategy and action plan against drug trafficking

The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), a global network of over 190 civil society and community organisations, welcomes the European Commission’s call for evidence on the new EU Drug Strategy. IDPC calls on the European Commission to deliver a drug strategy that reflects the EU’s core values of human rights, social justice, and public health. This includes broadening the strategy beyond supply reduction, protecting civil society, prioritising harm reduction, supporting national innovation, and continuing to lead by example on the international stage.

1. Avoid an overemphasis on supply reduction

The EC’s current approach disproportionately prioritises supply-side interventions, despite overwhelming evidence showing that punitive supply reduction efforts are ineffective and are associated with severe human rights violations. The proposed Action Plan’s exclusive focus on supply-related measures undermines the EU’s long-standing commitment to a balanced strategy.

Recommendations:

• Develop comprehensive Action Plans covering all pillars of the EU Drug Strategy, including demand reduction, harm reduction, and international cooperation.
• Ensure equitable allocation of resources across all policy areas.

2. Safeguard civil society participation

Civil society plays a vital role in shaping drug policy and delivering frontline services. Yet, across Europe, organisations face increasing repression—ranging from burdensome restrictions to criminalisation and smear campaigns.

Recommendations:

• Explicitly recognise and support the role of civil society and affected communities in the new Strategy.
• Safeguard their participation through legal protections, transparent engagement processes, and equitable access to funding.

3. Reinforce an evidence- and rights-based approach

The EU Drug Strategy must be grounded in growing international guidance on human rights and public health approaches to drug policy.

Recommendations:

• Reaffirm the EU’s commitment to UN guidance, including the UN System Common Position on drugs, the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy and reports from OHCHR and Special Rapporteur on the right to health
• Align drug policy goals with the SDGs.

4. Prioritise harm reduction and the right to health

Harm reduction remains the most effective intervention to protect the health and dignity of people who use drugs. The current EU Drug Strategy was a landmark in recognising harm reduction as a key pillar.

Recommendations:

• Expand and fund harm reduction services, including drug consumption rooms, take-home naloxone, and harm reduction in prison settings.
• Develop an Action Plan for harm reduction, with measurable, need-based indicators.
• Adopt a holistic approach that addresses intersecting vulnerabilities such as homelessness, gender-based violence, mental health, and migration status.

5. Enable policy innovation

The failure of punitive drug policies underscores the need for flexible and innovative approaches. Several EU countries have already adopted reforms, including decriminalisation and regulated drug markets.

Recommendations:

• Recognise and support national-level reforms and experimentation within EU Member States.
• Provide space for alternative models, evaluated through indicators measuring health and social outcomes.
• Promote responsible regulation, as supported by OHCHR, UNDP, and the UN Special Rapporteur.

6. Strengthen the EU’s role at the UN

In global drug policy forums, especially at the CND, the EU has historically promoted health- and rights-based approaches.

Recommendations:

• Maintain a unified, progressive stance at the UN, grounded in international human rights norms.
• Base EU positions on key UN documents, including the UNGASS Outcome Document, UN System Common Position, and International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy.
• Ensure meaningful consultation with civil society in shaping and representing EU positions.