EU Drugs Agency Director Warns of Growing Drug Crisis

Alexis Goosdeel, the director of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), is set to conclude his decade-long tenure at the end of this month. As he prepares to step down, he issues a stark warning about the escalating drug crisis within the European Union. “Today, drugs are everywhere. Everything can be used or be the object of addictive behaviour,” Goosdeel stated, highlighting the pervasive nature of addiction that affects both individuals and communities.

Over the past ten years, Goosdeel has observed significant transformations in the drugs market across Europe. He notes the emergence of new substances that appeal to a diverse range of consumers, from casual users to those struggling with chronic addiction. His tenure has also seen an alarming rise in violence associated with drug trafficking, a shift from previous patterns that predominantly affected regions like Central America. “In the last six or seven years, there has been a huge increase in drug market-related violence in most EU Member States,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Confronting the Cocaine Epidemic

While Goosdeel acknowledges the EU’s effective response to heroin-related challenges, he expresses concern over the escalating cocaine epidemic. “Where we are not ready at all at the moment is in the fight against the rise in cocaine use,” he asserted. In 2023, EU Member States reported a record seizure of cocaine, amounting to 419 tonnes, marking the seventh consecutive year of increasing seizures.

Spain recorded its largest cocaine seizure in a single shipment in 2024, with 13 tonnes discovered hidden in bananas from Ecuador. In Germany, authorities seized 43 tonnes of cocaine, including 25 tonnes at the port of Hamburg—double the amount reported in the previous year. Goosdeel emphasizes the need for public authorities to proactively address this growing issue ahead of time.

“We know that it takes approximately ten to twelve years between the moment a person starts consuming cocaine and when they seek help for the first time, which is often not successful initially,” he explained. He advocates for increased investment in research and the development of new treatment protocols that match the effectiveness of existing substitution treatments.

A Complex Challenge Ahead

The director highlights another significant challenge: the increasing variety of substances available on the market. This trend complicates the response required from public authorities. “The fact that there are more substances being used means we need to reconsider our understanding of drug use today,” Goosdeel noted. He emphasizes that not all users fit into the traditional category of drug users or criminals; many individuals turn to substances for coping with anxiety or performance pressures.

Goosdeel calls on EU governments to adopt a dual approach. They must combat drug trafficking while simultaneously protecting citizens. “We need to act, but at the same time, we must consider how to protect or reinvent our social model,” he stated. The aim is not only to fight against drugs but also to enhance the well-being and opportunities for communities across the EU.

As Goosdeel prepares to leave his post, his insights present both a sobering view of the current drug landscape and a call to action for the European Union’s future strategy in addressing these pressing issues.