European Parliament Health Committee discusses public health dimension of drug policy reform in EU accession countries
On 6 May, the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT) held a formal exchange of views with Dr Pavel Bém on “Excellence in Health Science: The Missing Public Health Dimension in Drug Policy Reforms in Candidate Countries within the EU Accession Process.” PAREA played a central role in bringing the issue to the SANT agenda, working closely with Ukrainian partners and stakeholders involved in the expert report underpinning the discussion.
The session examined how EU accession processes influence drug policy reforms in candidate countries and highlighted concerns that current approaches remain too narrowly focused on enforcement, technical compliance, and security-related aspects under Chapter 24 of the accession framework. According to the expert analysis presented, public health, harm reduction, stigma reduction, alternatives to coercive sanctions, and the participation of affected communities are not yet sufficiently integrated into accession discussions, despite being central elements of the EU’s broader drug policy framework and public health commitments.
Particular attention was given to Ukraine, where the accession process may create a significant policy opening for modernisation and reform. Speakers and participants stressed that health dimensions should not be overshadowed by security-only approaches, especially in the context of mental health needs, trauma, and evolving discussions around evidence-based care.
We were particularly encouraged to hear references to psychedelic therapies during the exchange and to see visible interest from several Members of the European Parliament in the role of emerging mental health treatments and research within broader public health discussions.
The exchange also highlighted the increasingly important role the European Parliament can play in ensuring that EU accession policy reflects balanced, health-based, and evidence-informed approaches to drug policy reform.
The full recording is available here. The relevant session begins at 09:17:20.
