EU intensifies efforts to combat drug trafficking in response to increasing rates of drug use and crime

The European Commission announced on Thursday that the continent is confronting serious challenges related to illicit drug use and trafficking, affecting public safety, health, the environment, and social stability. To address the issue comprehensively, the Commission introduced a new EU drugs strategy along with an action plan targeting drug trafficking.

"Europe is reaching a critical point when it comes to illegal drugs," stated EU Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner during a press briefing in Brussels. He emphasized that the new strategy and action plan send a strong signal to criminal organizations that Europe is actively fighting back.

Younger generations are particularly vulnerable, Brunner noted, both to drug consumption and recruitment into trafficking networks. The Commission's approach includes preventive measures, public health awareness campaigns, and programs to support reintegration. It will also provide member states with a specialized EU toolkit for minors and a guide for dismantling illicit synthetic drug labs.

These initiatives are part of the broader European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU, which sets priorities for 20262030. The 19-point plan introduces enhanced early warning and alert systems, threat assessments of highly potent synthetic opioids, and the launch of a Security and Innovation Campus in 2026. Strengthening security involves cooperation with agencies such as Frontex and includes updated rules on drug precursors and stricter measures against organized crime and trafficking.

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) will develop a continent-wide database of substances to help member states detect new synthetic drugs and precursors. These chemicals, essential for producing drugs like amphetamine and MDMA, are also widely used in pharmaceuticals and textiles. Rising numbers of designer precursors lacking legitimate applications have prompted the need for tailored legislation.

Emerging Drug Threats

The European drug market is evolving rapidly, influenced by globalization, geopolitical shifts, and technological advancements, according to the 2025 European Drug Report by EUDA. New stimulants, including synthetic cathinones and potent opioids, are increasingly circulating alongside traditional drugs like cannabis and cocaine, creating challenges for monitoring and response strategies at both national and EU levels.

Despite progress under the 20212025 EU drugs framework, evaluations indicate a worsening situation, particularly with rising criminal infiltration. Cocaine seizures reached 419 tonnes in 2019, six times the amount a decade earlier. AI is being exploited by trafficking networks to optimize operations, enhance ties with international crime groups, and facilitate corruption and violence.

Brunner highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships with third countries, especially in Latin America. Collaborative efforts with Colombia include sharing detection strategies through the European Ports Alliance. "The fight against trafficking must begin before drugs reach our borders," he said.

Member States Sound the Alarm

Countries across Europe are experiencing increasing drug-related crime. Bulgaria reported a record surge in seizures during the first five months of 2025, tripling the quantities confiscated in all of 2024. Investigations also reveal rising involvement of minors in trafficking. Lifetime drug use in Bulgarians aged 1564 grew by 30% from 2020 to 2024.

In Romania, synthetic drug trafficking remains a national security concern, influenced by domestic and transnational networks. Slovenia has over 500 banned substances, and authorities report rising drug accessibility among youth, though production- and trafficking-related crimes have decreased.

France sees cannabis as the most commonly used and trafficked drug, while cocaine and ecstasy trafficking is accelerating. High-profile drug-related murders have intensified calls for action, with President Macron urging a strategy similar to the anti-terrorism approach.

Drug Production and Transit in the Netherlands and Belgium

The Netherlands serves as a major European hub for cocaine importation and the production of MDMA, amphetamines, and heroin. However, drug seizures and arrests fell by nearly half in 2024, with notable decreases in the port of Antwerp. Belgian authorities note that traffickers are spreading their risks, sometimes shifting activity to France and Spain.

Spain's ports and geographic position make it a key logistics center for both legal and illicit trade. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in cocaine seizures at national and European ports, with hand luggage, containers, and air freight targeted more frequently.

National Measures Against Trafficking

Albania, an EU candidate country, has reinforced border controls, destroyed cannabis plantations, and increased cooperation with Europol and Interpol. Croatia emphasizes prevention and plans a national multi-agency center to combat smuggling in real time. Romania has strengthened controls over chemical precursors, expanded monitoring systems, and dismantled cross-border trafficking groups. Bulgaria launched an international operation targeting drug, people, and excise goods trafficking.

In France, the Pharos platform, initially designed to report illegal online content, is now being used to detect websites selling synthetic drugs. Authorities recently seized several dozen kilos of synthetic drugs from parcels arriving from the Netherlands, and a parliamentary debate on the issue is scheduled for December 17.

Author: Olivia Parker