BRUSSELS — The European Commission is preparing to unveil a comprehensive package of measures aimed at combating the increasing street drug crisis within the EU. Scheduled for release on December 3, this initiative seeks to address the escalating drug-related violence observed in countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands.
New regulations and strategies to combat drug trafficking
The forthcoming package includes updated regulations on precursor chemicals used in drug production, a new EU Drugs Strategy, and a European action plan targeting drug trafficking. As reported by the EU Drugs Agency, “Both the new strategy on drugs and the new legislation on precursors are in preparation.” The Commission’s home affairs department is spearheading the development of the drug strategy and trafficking plan, while the tax department is handling the proposal regarding precursor chemicals.
Addressing the rising drug-related violence
The current EU drugs strategy, which has shaped the region’s priorities since 2021, is set to expire this year. The upcoming strategy and action plan will outline Europe’s approach to tackling this intensifying crisis from 2026 to 2030. The continent faces a growing availability of cocaine, synthetic stimulants, and potent opioids, accompanied by increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks and a notable rise in drug-related violence, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands. Key entry points for illegal narcotics into Europe include the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
European criminals are increasingly producing their own synthetic drugs with the aid of precursor chemicals, while drug seizures continue to rise. The EU Drugs Agency reported that 2023 marked a record high in cocaine seizures for EU member countries, continuing a trend that has persisted for seven consecutive years. Additionally, the seizures of precursor chemicals have more than tripled over the past few years leading up to 2023.
In response to the quadrupling of Europe’s cocaine market between 2011 and 2021, the Commission proposed a robust plan in 2023 aimed at curbing drug trafficking. This plan includes enhancing cooperation with Latin American countries, establishing a network of specialized prosecutors and judges, and increasing investment in customs equipment upgrades.
Meanwhile, the United States is grappling with its own crisis linked to fentanyl, a synthetic drug estimated to be fifty times more potent than heroin. The U.S. has implemented tariffs, particularly on Chinese goods associated with fentanyl precursor chemicals, as a strategy to reduce their influx. Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned in 2023 that Europe may soon confront similar challenges.
The European Commission has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these upcoming measures.