European Union Drugs Agency - EUDA

The faster organised crime networks adapt, the more important it becomes to turn information into actionable intelligence.

This week in Cairo, analysts, investigators and intelligence officers from nine countries across the European Neighbourhood region strengthened their intelligence analysis skills to support drug crime investigations.

Hosted by the EUDA under the EU4Monitoring Drugs (EU4MD) II project and organised in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior, the training focused on turning data into intelligence that can help identify emerging threats, support investigations and strengthen responses to organised drug trafficking.

🤝 Thank you to the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior, the Egyptian International Drug Control Training Centre and the Anti-Narcotics General Administration of Egypt (ANGA) for their cooperation in hosting this activity.

➡️ Learn more about the EU4Monitoring Drugs (EU4MD) II project: https://www.euda.europa.eu/activities/eu4md-ii_en

🌍 Discover the EUDA's broader approach to international cooperation: https://www.euda.europa.eu/publications/work-programmes-and-strategies/euda-international-cooperation-framework_en

Europe is currently experiencing an extraordinary heatwave affecting millions of people across the continent. People who use drugs can face heightened risks during these conditions.

People who use drugs may be particularly affected, especially those who are already living in vulnerable situations, experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough, or living in precarious or overcrowded housing. Extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These risks can be further increased by alcohol and other substance use, as well as prolonged exposure to direct sun.

Heat can also increase risks in festivals, parties and nightlife settings. Overcrowding, prolonged dancing, high humidity, long periods in the sun, alcohol use and limited access to shade or water can all contribute to dehydration, overheating and other health emergencies.

🤝 During periods of extreme heat, simple actions matter:
• Provide access to cool indoor spaces and hydration.
• Make drinking water available wherever possible, including through outreach, drop-in services, shelters and community spaces.
• Check in on people regularly, especially those who may be isolated, sleeping rough, using substances alone, or staying in unsafe or exposed environments.

🏠 Heatwaves are not only a climate issue. They are also a public health, housing justice and harm reduction issue.

❗ No one should be left alone in extreme heat.

The trade in illicit drugs remains a major threat to the EU, but together, Europol and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) are making a difference!

Today, EUDA’s new Executive Director, Lorraine Nolan, met with our Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner, and discussed future cooperation between our agencies.

📒Europol and EUDA actively collaborate for the development of joint analysis products on key drug threats. The latest module of the EU Drug Markets Report (M**A) was released in March 2025. Learn more about it here: https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/latest-study-europes-ecstasy-market-reveals-new-trends-in-production-and-trafficking

🤝Together, we tackle drug-related organised crime by combining EUDA's expertise on drug markets and trends with Europol's criminal intelligence and operational support for law enforcement across Europe.

🤝 Eurojust President Michael Schmid met Dr Lorraine Nolan, Executive Director of EUDA, to discuss closer cooperation between Eurojust and European Union Drugs Agency - EUDA.

The exchange focused on security issues in the drugs field, including threat assessment, and on how both organisations can strengthen their cooperation in the years ahead.

⚖️ Eurojust and EUDA share a common commitment to tackling illicit drugs and related crime across the European Union. Since 2014, they have worked closely through the exchange of strategic and technical information.

🛡️ Stronger cooperation means a stronger European response to drug-related crime.

👉 https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/states-and-partners/eu-partners/european-union-drugs-agency

🎓 As we wrap up this year's European Drugs Summer School, we would like to thank all participants, speakers and partners who made the past two weeks such a valuable learning experience.

Together, they explored the many dimensions of drug-related issues, from prevention, treatment and harm reduction to public policy, security, public health and community responses, reflecting this year's theme: a whole-of-society approach to drugs.

We hope the knowledge gained, perspectives shared and professional connections built in Lisbon will continue to inform and inspire participants in their future work.

A special thank you to our partners Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa and IPPS-Iscte for their collaboration and support.

👏 Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this year's Summer School community in the years ahead.

📢 Last chance to contribute to the EUDA Strategy 2030.

What should we prioritise in the years ahead? Where can we improve our work?

⏳ The public consultation remains open until 3 July.

👉 Share your views: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/EUDAStartegy2030PublicConsultation?source=euda-web

⏳ One week left to have your say on the EUDA Strategy 2030.

Our public consultation is still open and your perspective can make a difference.

🔵 What should we prioritise?
🟢 Where can we improve?
🟠 What will matter most in the years ahead?

Your input will directly contribute to shaping the EU Drugs Agency’s Strategy 2030 and strengthen our response to drug-related challenges across Europe.

👉 Share your perspective before 3 July: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/EUDAStartegy2030PublicConsultation?source=euda-sm

✨ Today, Ireland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, succeeding Cyprus and beginning a new six-month mandate under the motto 'Ní neart go cur le chéile' ('Strength with unity').

The Irish Presidency will run from 1 July to 31 December 2026 and focus on the core themes of competitiveness, values and security.

Over the coming months, the Irish Presidency will take forward work on a wide range of EU priorities, including justice and home affairs issues relevant to the EU’s response to serious and organised crime, emerging threats and the protection of citizens.

As the European Union Drugs Agency, we look forward to supporting the Presidency with data, analysis and expertise to inform evidence-based discussions on drug-related challenges in Europe.

🔗 Explore the Presidency’s programme and priorities: https://irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/

🤝 Partnerships are at the heart of an effective response to today's drug-related challenges.

At our annual reception in Lisbon, we were pleased to welcome more than 200 guests, including representatives of the Portuguese authorities, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community in Portugal, international organisations and European institutions, with Portuguese Minister of Justice Rita Alarcão Júdice attending as guest of honour.

The event provided our agency with an opportunity to thank Portugal for its continued support as the EUDA's host country and to recognise the strong partnerships that underpin our work across Europe and beyond.

As drug markets become increasingly complex and interconnected, cooperation remains essential. By sharing knowledge, strengthening preparedness and working across borders, we can better anticipate emerging threats and support effective, evidence-based responses.

We thank all of our guests for their continued engagement with the EUDA and look forward to building on these partnerships in the years ahead.

📰 The June issue of Drugnet Europe is out!

Discover key developments from the EUDA, including:
🔹 Findings from the European Drug Report 2026
🔹 A new threat assessment on highly potent synthetic opioids
🔹 Two new orphines under risk assessment
🔹 Foresight resources exploring synthetic drugs and future challenges
🔹 Results from the ESCAPE syringe analysis project
🔹 Updates on drug market-related violence
🔹 A Working Arrangement signed with UNODC on

🔍 Read the June issue: https://mailchi.mp/euda/drugnet-europe-201-june2026

📩 Subscribe to Drugnet Europe: https://europa.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7661463396b2fc9d763392225&id=3f011a8795

🌈 As Pride Month comes to a close, the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies reflect on a month dedicated to equality, inclusion and respect for diversity.

Pride Month has been an important moment to highlight shared values and ongoing efforts to promote the rights, safety and dignity of LGBTIQ+ people.

Across the Justice and Home Affairs area, our work is grounded in these values. Ensuring that everyone can live free from discrimination and feel safe and respected in society remains a common responsibility.

Pride Month is an important reminder of both progress made and the work that continues. As agencies, we remain committed to supporting a more inclusive and equal Europe for all.