EUDA news

Launch of ‘Safe futures’: a project tackling the recruitment of young people into drug markets

This week, the EUDA and the University of Limerick’s REPPP team (1) officially launched ‘Safe futures’, a project focused on identifying effective ways to prevent youth involvement in European drug markets. The initiative responds to growing public and policy concern about the increasing recruitment and exploitation of young people by criminal drug networks across Europe. These networks often target the most vulnerable young people, leading to significant security, social and public health consequences…
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EUDA Management Board appoints new Executive Director — Dr Lorraine Nolan (Ireland)

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) Management Board is underway in Lisbon this week where it is addressing a range of strategic topics shaping the future of the agency. A key result of the meeting today was the appointment of a new EUDA Executive Director, which took place during a restricted session. Dr Lorraine Nolan (Ireland) was elected by a two-thirds majority in a secret ballot. The new Executive Director is expected to take up office on 1 January 2026, succeeding Alexis Goosdeel (Belgium), who has led the agency since 1 January 2016 and will continue in this role until the…
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EUDA welcomes Belgian National Drug Commissioner

This week, the EUDA hosted the Belgian National Drug Commissioner, Ine Van Wymersch, during her two-day visit to Lisbon. Ms Van Wymersch was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Fabien Gerard and other members of the Belgian National Drug Commission. During the visit, on 3 June, the delegation received an in-depth overview of the agency’s work. EUDA Executive Director Alexis Goosdeel presented the agency’s new mandate and its current state of implementation. EUDA experts followed, with briefings on key areas of the agency’s activity, including drug markets, crime and precursors, prison-related…
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Rapid drug market shifts create new risks and challenge Europe’s preparedness

Rapid shifts in Europe's drug market are creating new health and security risks and challenging the region's capacity to respond. This warning comes from the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) in its European Drug Report 2025: Trends and Developments, released today (1). Based on data from 29 countries (EU-27, Norway and Türkiye), this annual review highlights latest trends and emerging threats. Now in its 30th edition, the report provides evidence to inform drug policy and practice. It shows how Europe's drug market continues to evolve, with both suppliers and consumers adapting to…
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