EUDA report details drug trends: rising synthetic opioids and cocaine; calls for harm reduction and cannabis policy changes.
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The European Union Drugs Agency’s annual report, released on Thursday, covers 27 EU member states plus Norway and Turkey. The European Commissioner highlighted that new EU security strategies aim to dismantle drug networks and track illicit funds, while a new port strategy facilitates faster customs checks, though much of the smuggling is now through smaller ports. New regulations for precursor chemicals were also mentioned, noting an unprecedented amount of cocaine seizures in Europe last year. Synthetic cathinones are also seeing a significant rise in consumption across Europe. The EUDA Director noted that current drug policies focus heavily on law enforcement and supply reduction against a highly adaptable market, which is increasingly reaching users via social media rather than the dark web. Emerging concerns include increased police substance use, violence linked to drug trade, new psychoactive substances, and easier access to precursors. Cocaine seizures have risen sharply, and synthetic opioids have also significantly increased, though naloxone remains unavailable in only 15 member states for overdose treatment. The EUDA called for support for member states exploring cannabis legalization and regulation based on health protection and harm reduction. In Czechia, the penal code was amended to reduce incarceration rates, allowing home cultivation of three plants and possession limits, while also legalizing medical psilocybin use in healthcare settings. The report emphasizes that effective substance abuse prevention relies on local communities rather than punitive measures. Overall, the 2025 EUDA report describes a flexible drug market with widespread availability of substances like cocaine, MDMA, synthetic stimulants, and new opioids, noting increased polysubstance use and rising overdose deaths linked to opioids. In Hungary, synthetic stimulants and cathinones are prevalent, making it an active hotspot for production precursors, while crack and injectable stimulant use is increasing in urban areas. Although cannabis use among young Hungarians has decreased, the spread of novel cannabinoid products is worrying. Furthermore, prevention and harm reduction services in Hungary remain insufficient compared to EU recommendations.
