The EU Council approved the new EU drugs strategy as the European Union Drugs Agency reports 7,600 estimated fatal overdoses and a growing risk from synthetic opium. But what does the strategy include? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot.
On 9 June, the European Union Drug Agency publishes the 2026 European Drug Report on the drug situation in Europe, focusing on use, trafficking and related harms.
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The report warns of a rapid transformation of the EU drugs market, with rising risks from substances like nitazenes and street drugs. Results show that cannabis remained the most widely used drug in 2024, with 24.9 million adults aged 15 to 64 reporting use. With trafficking routes evolving, seized illegal drugs amounted to almost 900 tonnes in 2024.
On 4 June, the European Council approved the framework for the new EU drugs strategy. The Commission proposed the plan in December 2025 as part of the European Internal Security Strategy.
The new EU drugs strategy wants to tackle security, health and social challenges linked to illicit drugs through five pillars: stronger preparedness and response, protection of public health, enhanced internal security, prevention of drug-related harm, and stronger international partnerships.
The EU action plan against drug trafficking complements the strategy and doubles down on internal security with 19 practical measures to fight criminal networks.
For the first time, member states are expected to discuss drug use and trafficking at the European Council summit on 18-19 June.
Do you want to know more about the EU’s plan to step up its fight against illicit drugs? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot!