The director of the EU drugs agency, Alexis Goosdeel, has warned of worsening drug challenges in Europe by 2025, with rising violence, political polarisation, and poly-drug use becoming urgent concerns. Speaking at an event, Goosdeel urged policymakers and healthcare systems to rethink outdated strategies shaped by the heroin epidemic, as new drug trends grip the continent. Although heroin remains a deadly issue—responsible for the majority of overdose deaths—synthetic drugs, from methamphetamine to highly potent cannabinoids, are intensifying the crisis.

Trafficking is another growing threat, with smuggling routes thriving and drug-related violence on the rise. Despite past cocaine busts in Antwerp and Rotterdam, law enforcement struggles to stem the tide. Goosdeel pressed for new treatment pathways to address synthetic drug addiction and cautioned against approaches that may fuel polarisation or fail to effectively tackle addiction. He highlighted the importance of treatments that reduce overall drug dependency, rather than merely managing risks.

The call now is for Europe to take more comprehensive action against the drug crisis, supporting measures that prevent the normalisation of dangerous substances. Failure to do so risks further fracturing social and political unity across the continent.

Source: Euro News