EU Drugs Agency Director Alexis Goosdeel Issues Urgent Warning

The director of the EU Drugs Agency, Alexis Goosdeel, is set to step down at the end of this month after a decade in office, leaving behind a stark warning about the pervasive nature of drug use across Europe. He stated, “Today drugs are everywhere. Everything can be used or be the object of addictive behaviour.” His remarks highlight the pressing challenges the EU faces in addressing both acute and chronic addiction issues.

Transformations in the Drug Market

During his tenure, Goosdeel has observed significant changes in the European drug market. He noted the emergence of new substances that attract a diverse range of consumers, from casual users to those struggling with addiction. This shift has resulted in a broader societal impact, as many individuals are now indirectly affected by addiction-related issues.

Moreover, Goosdeel pointed out a troubling rise in violence linked to drug trafficking over the past ten years. “We see that over the last six or seven years, there has been a huge increase in drug market-related violence in most EU Member States,” he explained. “A decade ago, discussions about drug-related violence were largely confined to Central America. Now, it is prevalent throughout the European Union.”

Addressing the Cocaine Epidemic

While Goosdeel believes the EU has made progress in tackling heroin-related issues, he expressed concern about the growing cocaine epidemic. “Where we are not ready at all at the moment is as we see in the last seven, eight years a huge increase in the availability of cocaine,” he cautioned. In 2023, EU Member States reported seizing a record amount of cocaine, totaling 419 tonnes.

This troubling trend includes significant seizures in individual countries, such as Spain, which reported its largest cocaine seizure ever in a single shipment—13 tonnes concealed in bananas from Ecuador. Germany also reported a substantial seizure, with 43 tonnes confiscated, including 25 tonnes at the port of Hamburg, representing a doubling of the amount seized in 2022.

Goosdeel emphasized the urgency of investing in research and treatment for cocaine addiction, noting, “We know that it takes more or less 10 to 12 years between the moment a person starts consuming cocaine and the moment they will need to ask for help for the first time.” He called for developing effective treatment protocols comparable to those available for existing substitution treatments.

Complex Challenges Ahead

The increasing variety of substances available poses additional challenges for public authorities. Goosdeel remarked, “The fact that there are more substances being used means that not everybody is a drug user, not everybody is a criminal.” Many individuals are turning to substances to cope with heightened anxiety and performance pressures, necessitating a shift in understanding and approach.

He urged governments to adopt a dual strategy of combating drug trafficking while simultaneously protecting citizens. “We need to act, but at the same time, how can we protect or reinvent our social model?” Goosdeel stressed the importance of providing communities with better opportunities, aiming not just to fight drugs but also to enhance social well-being.

As Goosdeel prepares to leave his position, the challenges he highlighted will require urgent attention from the EU and its Member States. His leadership over the past decade has laid the groundwork for addressing these complex issues, but the path forward will demand innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across Europe.