The European Commission has pledged to tighten security at Europe’s ports and logistic hubs to combat continued growth in drug trafficking.

The Commission has described drug-linked organised crime as the “most serious security threat facing Europe today”, with criminal networks increasingly exploiting technological advances, financial loopholes, and societal interconnectedness to expand their operations.

Ports, profits and prevention

The commitment to increase port security is contained in the EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, adopted in October 2023, which outlines a sweeping set of reforms and actions aligned with the EU Strategy on Organised Crime 2021–2025 and the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan 2021–2025.

Among the roadmap’s top priorities is the protection of logistic hubs — both within and outside the EU — from criminal exploitation. Measures include mobilising customs authorities, strengthening law enforcement operations in ports, and launching public-private partnerships to prevent smuggling and infiltration.

The roadmap also calls for enhanced law enforcement and judicial capacity, including:

  • Mapping high-risk criminal networks
  • Creating a network of specialised prosecutors and judges
  • Facilitating digital and financial investigations
  • Strengthening the legal framework against organised crime

Legislative overhaul

To support these efforts, the Commission has proposed several legislative changes:

  • Strengthening Asset Recovery and Confiscation Directive (EU 2024/1260)
  • Amendments to Directive 2019/1153, granting access to central bank account registries
  • Reforms to anti-money laundering laws, the EU Customs Union, and corruption legislation

The mandate for European Union Drugs Agency (formerly the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction) has been expanded, and a new European Drug Alert System will notify national authorities when new substances enter the market.

EMPACT made permanent

The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Crime Threats (EMPACT) — a key tool supporting Member States’ internal security — has been made permanent thanks to increased EU funding. The newly established European Public Prosecutor’s Office will also play a central role in cross-border judicial cooperation.

Global reach

The roadmap emphasises international cooperation to disrupt global supply chains. Actions include:

  • Supporting anti-trafficking operations in West Africa
  • Boosting collaboration with Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Forging alliances to combat synthetic drug threats
  • Engaging with jurisdictions that have been uncooperative in judicial matters

Prevention and protection

Preventative measures are also central to the roadmap. These include administrative tools to block organised crime, curbing the spread of so-called designer precursors (chemicals used in making psychoactive substances), preventing youth recruitment, and improving safety in communities affected by drug-related crime.

The European Commission has committed to ongoing collaboration with Member States, agencies, and stakeholders to implement the roadmap. Funding has been earmarked for 2023–2025 to support operational cooperation and future-proof the EU’s crime-fighting capabilities.