Feedback on the European Internal Security Strategy

The European Unions commitment to security, democracy, and the rule of law must be rooted in evidence-based policies. However, the current prohibitionist approach to drugs exacerbates security risks rather than mitigating them. To ensure internal stability, Europe must reassess its stance on drug policy by considering the following key security concerns: The European Unions commitment to security must be rooted in evidence-based policies. However, the prohibitionist approach to drugs has strengthened organized crime, fueling violence, corruption, and destabilization across Member States.

The illicit drug market is a major driver of transnational crime, sustaining criminal networks that exploit EU institutions and the legal economy while draining law enforcement resources. This creates a security paradoxwhere enforcement efforts do not reduce crime but instead increase violence and state vulnerability. Furthermore, prohibition enables hostile foreign actors to profit from the drug trade, using illicit revenues to finance totalitarian regimes, terrorist groups, and geopolitical destabilization. Reports indicate that especially Russian-affiliated, but also Middle Eastern criminal networks use drug proceeds to fund war efforts, influence operations, and corruption, directly threatening European democracy.

To address these risks, the EU must integrate drug policy reform into its security strategy, shifting from prohibition toward regulation, financial intelligence, and transnational cooperation to undermine criminal economies at their source.

Integrating Drug Policy Reform into the Internal Security Strategy The European Internal Security Strategy should incorporate drug market regulation as a security measure rather than solely a public health issue. This shift would align with existing EU priorities on organized crime prevention, counterterrorism, financial integrity, and democratic resilience.

To reflect these concerns in novelization of the Strategy, we propose the following structural and legislative recommendations:

1. Shifting from Criminalization to Security-Focused Market Regulation

Amend the Strategy's approach to drug-related crime by recognizing that regulation, rather than prohibition, is the best mechanism to disrupt illicit markets. Integrate controlled drug market policies into the EU Action Plan against Drug Trafficking, ensuring that legalization or decriminalization strategies actively weaken criminal networks. Promote pilot programs for state-controlled cannabis and stimulant markets to assess the impact on organized crime revenues and law enforcement efficiency.

2. Aligning Counterterrorism and Drug Policy

Recognize drug prohibition as a geopolitical risk factor by formally including it in the EU Counterterrorism Agenda.

Establish a special task force within COSI (Standing Committee on Operational Cooperation on Internal Security) to assess how illicit drug revenues intersect with European hybrid security threats, such as foreign influence operations, arms smuggling, and corruption.

3. Reforming Law Enforcement Priorities

Redirect Europol's focus from low-level drug offenses to targeting large-scale criminal enterprises responsible for transnational trafficking. Implement a structured transition framework for Member States seeking to shift toward regulated drug markets, ensuring compliance with international obligations while minimizing security risks.

By shifting toward evidence-based drug regulation, Europe can: Undermine criminal economies that threaten EU security. Strengthen democratic institutions by reducing corruption and illicit financial flows. Enhance law enforcement efficiency by redirecting focus toward major security threats. Prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting illicit markets to fund anti-democratic operations.

To preserve European security and democracy, the Internal Security Strategy must recognize and address the security risks of prohibitionand adapt accordingly.