The rapid rise of synthetic drugs has become one of the world’s most pressing drug-related challenges. After cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the most widely used drugs globally, now surpassing cocaine and heroin. Alongside this, the market for new psychoactive substances (NPS) has expanded at an alarming pace, with reports of their presence in over 90 countries. These fast-changing trends make it difficult for governments to respond effectively, particularly as synthetic drugs continue to diversify and adapt.

To address this, the UNODC launched the Global SMART Programme in...

The evaluation of Phase III of the Paris Pact Initiative (2010–2012), supported by UNODC’s Project GLO K31, examined how effectively this global partnership has addressed the trafficking and consumption of opiates, particularly those originating in Afghanistan. Bringing together 58 countries and 21 organisations, the Initiative has played a key role in strengthening international cooperation, improving data and analysis, and fostering better-informed policy decisions. Respondents acknowledged the importance of its consultative mechanisms — including the Policy Consultative Group and Expert...

The International Narcotics Control Board’s 2015 report on precursors highlights global efforts to stop chemicals being diverted into the illicit manufacture of drugs. It points to successes achieved through international cooperation, including platforms like the Precursor Task Force, Project Prism, Project Cohesion, and the PEN Online system, which has become a key tool for monitoring chemical trade worldwide.

Despite progress, the report warns that drug production is shifting towards new, non-scheduled chemicals that fall outside existing controls. To tackle this, the Board calls for more...

The Council of the European Union is the forum where national ministers from all EU countries come together to make decisions that shape Europe. It is responsible for negotiating and adopting EU laws, approving the budget, concluding international agreements, and helping to develop the EU’s foreign and security policy. The Council also plays a coordinating role in areas where member states need to align their national policies. This website is the central place where people can access all information about the Council, from news and conclusions to details of upcoming meetings.

Its work takes...

The EU-CELAC Action Plan 2013–2015 sets out a framework for strengthened cooperation between the European Union and Latin American and Caribbean countries. Building on priorities agreed at the EU-LAC and EU-CELAC Summits, it focuses on key areas such as science, research and innovation, sustainable development, regional integration, education and employment, gender equality, investment, and addressing the global drug problem. The plan emphasises ownership and capacity building, aiming to deliver tangible results that benefit both regions.

A major objective is the creation of a “EU-LAC...

The European Union and Central Asian countries have joined forces through the EU–Central Asia Action Plan on Drugs 2014–2020, building on earlier cooperation dating back to 2002. This plan recognises the shared challenges posed by drug trafficking, drug abuse and the security risks linked to developments in neighbouring Afghanistan. With law enforcement and judicial systems in need of modernisation, the Action Plan focuses on reducing both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs, while also strengthening national capacities to respond effectively.

At its core, the Action Plan represents...

In 2012, the Council of the European Union adopted the EU Drugs Strategy for 2013–2020, setting a long-term framework to reduce both drug demand and supply. To put this into practice, the Irish Presidency developed the first EU Drugs Action Plan (2013–2016), which laid out concrete steps to turn strategic goals into measurable results. The plan was carefully negotiated and finalised in 2013, ensuring that it aligned with EU values, international conventions, and respect for human rights.

The Action Plan focuses on two main policy areas – reducing drug demand and reducing drug supply –...

The Publications Office of the European Union provides open access to a broad collection of official EU works. Covering everything from policy updates and statistical analyses to educational tools and research findings, the platform gathers knowledge created across EU institutions and makes it freely available in every official EU language. Most titles are downloadable at no charge, with the option to request printed copies for a small shipping cost.

Users can search by subject, dive into themed collections, or discover the most recent releases. Current highlights feature reports on women’s...

The Publications Office of the European Union offers free access to a wide range of official EU publications. From research reports and educational resources to policy overviews and statistical studies, the site brings together knowledge produced by EU institutions and makes it available in all official languages of the Union. Most publications can be downloaded electronically at no cost, while some can also be ordered in print for a small delivery fee.

Visitors can easily search by topic, explore curated collections, or browse the latest highlights. Recent publications include works on women...

The EU Drugs Strategy (2013–2020) set out a shared political framework to guide the European Union’s approach to drugs policy. Grounded in the principles of EU law and international conventions, it focused on protecting public health, improving social well-being, and ensuring security across Member States. By promoting a balanced and evidence-based response, the Strategy sought to reduce both the demand for and supply of drugs, while safeguarding human rights and the rule of law.

This Strategy was designed to add value to national efforts by encouraging cooperation across Europe and beyond...

his EMCDDA paper explores how better data can help us understand and respond to Europe’s illicit drug markets. Traditional indicators like seizures, prices, purity, and offences provide only part of the picture, so the agency is expanding its framework to include broader evidence on harms, market dynamics, and new data sources such as online activity.

Using drug prices as an example, the paper shows how changes in supply and demand, global events, and enforcement measures can all influence markets. By improving data quality and coverage across wholesale, retail, and import levels, EMCDDA aims...

This EMCDDA paper introduces the European Union’s approach to drug supply reduction, explaining how policies, structures, and actions are designed to disrupt drug markets and limit the availability of illicit substances. It highlights the links between supply reduction and wider issues such as organised crime, border security, and international cooperation, while also addressing challenges like changing trafficking routes and the use of new technologies.

The EU’s response, coordinated through its strategy and action plans, combines law enforcement, maritime security, and cross-border...

This report takes an important step towards understanding how European countries fund efforts to tackle illicit drugs. By examining public spending on supply reduction measures, it highlights how resources are allocated, the gaps in existing data, and the need for common definitions and methods to improve comparability across time, policies and countries.

The study not only reviews national approaches but also outlines good practices, data sources, and recommendations to guide future evaluations. In doing so, it helps create a clearer picture of how policy intentions are reflected in budgets...

UNODC is collaborating with South Africa to enhance the quality and effectiveness of drug use disorder treatment , ensuring services align with the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. Through training, workshops, and the implementation of Quality Assurance mechanisms, the initiative supports healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service providers in delivering ethical, evidence-based care while also addressing crime, violence, and recidivism linked to drug trafficking.

South Africa faces challenges including limited data, rising demand for treatment...

What started with a BBC documentary exposing the harsh realities of Nigeria’s codeine crisis has since become a powerful story of change. In Kano State, UNODC, with support from the European Union, introduced Quality Assurance mechanisms for drug use disorder treatment , turning challenges into opportunities for reform. The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Dawanau, once marked by neglect, underwent a remarkable transformation: wards were renovated, new staff recruited, and all patients now receive dignified, rights-based care. This progress has set a new national standard for effective drug...

In 1999, the EU highlighted the growing threat of drug abuse and trafficking, noting a sharp rise in cocaine, amphetamines, and synthetic drugs like ecstasy. Reports at the time showed that no Member State was spared from these challenges.

To respond, the EU called for stronger cooperation between countries, better intelligence sharing through Europol, and more attention to prevention, education, and treatment .

During the German Presidency, the EU’s Horizontal Working Party on Drugs set the stage for a new multi-year action plan, aiming for a more united and comprehensive European approach...

On 2–3 April 2014, African and European leaders met in Brussels for the Fourth EU–Africa Summit under the theme “Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace.” The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two continents, built on shared values of democracy, human rights, good governance and sustainable development.

Leaders acknowledged progress since the 2007 Joint Africa–EU Strategy and the 2010 Tripoli Declaration, while recognising the need to give fresh momentum to cooperation. Africa’s rapid economic growth and democratic gains were welcomed, though challenges of inequality and...

In 2010, the EU introduced a new policy cycle to strengthen the fight against organised and serious international crime. This cycle provides a structured way for Member States to work together, set shared priorities, and respond to cross-border threats in a more coordinated manner.

The Council plays a key role by deciding on the main crime priorities, ensuring that efforts are focused where they are most needed. The policy cycle is designed to make Europe’s response more strategic, effective and adaptable to emerging challenges.

In August 2024, UNODC convened policymakers and treatment managers in Johannesburg for a workshop on adapting Key Quality Standards for drug use disorder treatment. The meeting, held in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Social Development, focused on aligning national norms with the UNODC/WHO International Standards to strengthen quality assurance and improve access to ethical, evidence-based care.

The workshop marked an important step in advancing treatment systems in Southern Africa, helping stakeholders identify gaps, set priorities, and develop strategies for long-term...

In June 2023, UNODC Serbia, with support from the Ministry of Health and international partners, hosted a training in Belgrade on quality assurance for drug use disorder treatment systems. Based on the UNODC-WHO International Standards and Quality Assurance toolkit, the workshop brought together 25 professionals from across the health sector to strengthen national treatment systems, share expertise, and identify areas for improvement.

The training marked an important step towards ensuring accessible, ethical, and evidence-based care in Serbia, equipping participants with practical tools to...