The European Commission has initiated a comprehensive action plan to combat drug trafficking, highlighting a significant rise in illegal drug use across the continent. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced the plan on Wednesday, declaring that the situation has reached “a crisis point,” with approximately 7,500 people dying annually due to drug-related issues in Europe.
In 2023 alone, authorities across Europe confiscated 419 tonnes of cocaine and dismantled around 500 synthetic drug labs. These alarming statistics reflect the increasing influence of criminal networks that are not only perpetuating violence and corruption but also threatening public health and safety. The Commission’s legislative package aims to address these challenges through an EU Drugs Strategy that encompasses 19 key operational measures to enhance the fight against drug trafficking.
Innovative Measures and International Cooperation
The action plan emphasizes the need for stronger international cooperation with non-EU countries and improved collaboration among law enforcement, judicial, and customs authorities within EU member states. Brunner underscored the importance of adapting countermeasures to the evolving tactics employed by drug traffickers.
“Drug traffickers use the latest technologies, and that’s why we also have to put a focus on innovation to beat them,” he stated. To that end, the Commission plans to launch an innovation campus in 2026, which will serve as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies designed to disrupt drug trafficking operations. The campus will incorporate aerial assets, high-resolution satellite imagery, and drones, provided by the European border and coast guard agency, Frontex.
Addressing Youth Violence and Emerging Threats
In addition to technological advancements, the European Commission has proposed the establishment of an EU-wide platform aimed at connecting experts across Europe to combat online recruitment by criminal organizations. This initiative seeks to prevent crime and reduce drug-related violence among young people.
Furthermore, a new EU-wide substance database will be developed to assist national authorities in identifying emerging drugs more effectively. The role of Europol will be pivotal in enhancing intelligence sharing and coordinating joint investigations among member states.
“We are very much aligned with EU member states, and we are trying to help them to get the job done,” Brunner affirmed, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to tackle this pressing issue effectively.
The European Commission’s action plan marks a significant step in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by drug trafficking, reinforcing the commitment to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of communities across Europe.
