New Eurobarometer survey reveals growing concern over illicit drugs in the EU

A recent Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission reveals that EU citizens continue to have strong concerns about the impact of drugs on local communities. A staggering 39% and 41% of respondents consider the use of illicit drugs and drug-trafficking serious problems, respectively. The survey also shows that the impact of drugs on youth remains a primary concern, with 60% of respondents viewing drug use among children and teenagers as a problem in their local area.

For 62% of respondents, easy access to illicit drugs is a key factor associated with their usage. Moreover, 61% of respondents think that drug use is a cause of youth crime in their communities, while 47% see it as a cause of violent crime or murder. Citizens believe that public authorities should apply tough measures against drug traffickers (43%) and invest in education, information, and prevention interventions (41%).

The EU's response

The European Commission has taken significant steps to address the issue of drug-related violence. In line with the 2021-2025 EU Drugs Strategy and the 2023 EU Roadmap to fight against drug trafficking and organised crime, the Commission has:

• Revised the mandate of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
• Adopted legislation to launch the EUDA on July 2, 2023, which now plays a key role in addressing current and future challenges.
• Launched the European Ports Alliance in January 2024 to combat drug trafficking.
• Stepped up cooperation with international partners.

Moreover, the Eurobarometer survey’s findings will contribute to the implementation of the EU Drugs Action Plan 2021-2025.

A conference on drug-related violence

The European Conference on Drug-Related Violence, co-organised by the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA) and the European Commission on 26 and 27 November, brought together experts from policy, practice, research, and civil society to discuss the devastating impact of drug-related violence on EU citizens' lives, businesses, and economies.

The conference serves as a platform for experts to share insights on the effects of drug-related violence on EU citizens' lives, businesses, and economies. Building on existing efforts, the EU will continue to develop and implement policies aimed at reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs, while also promoting public health and safety.

Find out more

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