New health risks emerge as Europe’s drug market grows more complex, EU agency warns

Published on 09/06/2026 - 10:00 GMT+2

New health risks, rapidly evolving and increasingly complex drug markets - this is the warning issued on Tuesday by the European Union Drugs Agency.

Its annual report, based on data from 27 EU member states as well as Turkey and Norway, highlights concerns not only about the availability of substances but also their growing variety, unpredictability and potency.

This is particularly the case with new synthetic opioids.

“New synthetic opioids are very highly potent substances,” Lorraine Nolan, Executive Director of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), told Euronews.

“One gram is enough to make several thousand lethal doses. So there is a very narrow margin between use and overdose in this situation,” she added, stressing they can emerge rapidly on the market, often without users knowing what they are taking.

At least 7,600 people died of overdoses in the EU in 2024, according to EUDA estimates, with opioids - often in combination with other substances - remaining the leading cause of drug-related deaths.

The report also notes the growing presence of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with one detected every week. In 2025 alone, 50 were reported for the first time in Europe. In total, the EUDA is currently monitoring around 1,050 substances.

24.9 million cannabis users

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit drug in Europe, with 24.9 million adults reporting use in the past year.

Despite being a “well-established” market, it continues to evolve. Trafficking routes are shifting, with increasing volumes of high-potency cannabis products entering Europe, including imports from North America.

Lorraine Nolan said one concern is the diversion from newly regulated markets and the emergence of stronger products.

“In some resin forms, for example, we see impurity of up to 33%. And of course, the higher the THC component in the drug, the more likely it is with longer-term use to cause psychosis,” Nolan said.

The wider availability of high-potency products, extracts and edibles is increasing health risks, with some linked to emergency hospital presentations. Authorities have also warned about cannabis adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids and contamination from potentially hazardous pesticides.

The European agency noted a decrease in cocaine seizures, with 330 tonnes intercepted in 2024 compared to 419 tonnes the previous year. However, the number of seizures rose, suggesting traffickers may be shifting to smaller, more fragmented shipments to avoid detection.

Despite the drop, cocaine remains a major concern, accounting for around a third of people entering drug treatment in Europe and contributing to a growing share of health harms.

Faced with rising health and security risks, the agency is calling on member states to invest in monitoring and preparedness systems, while pursuing a balanced approach targeting both supply and demand, grounded in public health and human rights.