European leaders convened in Brussels to address the escalating illicit drug market, estimated at €31 billion, urging enhanced coordination among EU institutions, member states, and international partners to combat drug trafficking and related harms.
The growing illicit drug trade poses a significant threat to public health and security across Europe, necessitating a unified and comprehensive strategy to combat its complex and borderless nature.
European leaders convened in Brussels to address the escalating illicit drug market, estimated at €31 billion, urging enhanced coordination among EU institutions, member states, and international partners to combat drug trafficking and related harms. For the first time, challenges linked to drug use and trafficking were discussed at the EU leaders' level. Bart De Wever, Belgium's Prime Minister, highlighted that organized crime knows no boundaries and that the response to this threat must extend beyond national borders. The rapidly expanding European drug market involves new psychoactive substances and complex supply chains utilizing encrypted apps and online markets. Leaders emphasized a comprehensive, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach based on evidence. This approach includes enhancing preparedness, protecting public health, strengthening security, preventing drug-related harm, and fostering European and international partnerships, such as the European Coalition Against Drugs, alongside law enforcement cooperation with third countries. Earlier in the month, EU home affairs ministers had agreed on the implementation of the EU drugs strategy for 2026 to 2030.
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