Drugs policy: European Drug Report 2023 shows new challenges for Europe from greater diversity in drug supply and use

Today, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has published the annual 2023 European Drug Report, providing an analysis of drug use and supply in Europe.  

The report shows that new challenges are arising in Europe from greater diversity in drug supply and use. Drug availability remains high across all substance types, while the scale and complexity of illicit drug production within Europe continues to grow. Synthetic drugs are on the rise, with synthetic opioids representing a new danger. The report highlights that effective risk communication strategies are needed to alert consumers to these dangers.

The new early warning and alert system coming with the new mandate of the EMCDDA will provide a way to identify new threats and put in place an effective alert system. 

In July 2024, the EMCDDA will become the new European Union Drugs Agency with a reinforced mandate allowing it to play a stronger role in addressing current and future challenges related to the drug phenomenon. 

You can follow the press point by Commissioner Johansson and the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Alexis Goosdeel, on the European Drug Report live on EbS.