EU drug agency warns of rapid rise in new psychoactive substances across Europe

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) released its annual report warning that a "large availability" of increasingly varied psychoactive substances is sweeping Europe. The report notes at least 7,600 overdose deaths in 29 countries, including all 27 EU members, and highlights that new substances are detected at a rate of about one per week. Lorraine Nolan, EUDA executive director, said “the drug markets evolve at a breakneck pace, and the diversity of substances on European streets is becoming increasingly unpredictable.”

The agency recorded 50 new psychoactive substances first identified in 2025, bringing the total number of monitored substances to 1,050. It warned that synthetic cannabinoids added to cannabis products, sold as e‑cigarettes and edibles, heighten risks for younger users. About 4.3 million Europeans aged 15‑64 used cocaine in the past year, while seven new synthetic opioids, including nitazenes and orphins, were reported in 2025. Use of ketamine is also rising.

Traffickers have diversified routes, using smaller ports, fast boats, semi‑submersibles, drones and sophisticated concealment methods. Cannabis is increasingly shipped from Canada, the United States and, to a lesser extent, Thailand. Cocaine seizures fell to 330 tonnes in 2024 from 419 tonnes in 2023, though the number of seizures rose slightly.