science
EU Approves New Drugs Strategy Through 2030 After Report Shows Rising Overdose Deaths
The European Union Drugs Agency released its 2026 report documenting increased drug potency and 7,600 overdose deaths in 2024. Days later the EU Council approved a strategy covering preparedness, public health, security and international cooperation through 2030.
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The European Union Drugs Agency released its 2026 European Drug Report on June 9 covering 27 EU countries, Norway and Türkiye. The report found drugs more accessible and potent with synthetic substances harder to intercept.
The EU Council approved a new Drugs Strategy on June 4 that runs until 2030. The plan focuses on five areas: preparedness, public health, security, harm prevention and cooperation with other countries. It adds a dedicated port security component and expands powers for Europol, Frontex and the EUDA.
The agency estimated at least 7,600 people died from drug overdoses in the EU in 2024. Most deaths involved polysubstance use with opioids listed as the primary cause. Trafficking-related violence rose near major ports including Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg.
The Global Commission on Drug Policy stated that harm reduction measures received less emphasis than enforcement actions. The group said strengthening port controls could shift trafficking routes to other locations.
