EU drug agency warns of rising synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances in Europe

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EUDA) released its annual report, warning that the diversity of illicit substances on European streets is rapidly increasing. In 2025, the agency recorded 50 new psycho‑active substances, bringing the total number it monitors to 1,050, including highly potent synthetic opioids that pose a heightened risk of fatal overdose.

EUDA estimates that 7,600 people died from drug overdoses across Europe in 2024, many involving multiple substances. Cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug, with 24.9 million adults aged 15‑64 reporting use in the past year. Opioids, especially the new synthetic variants such as nitazenes and orphins, continue to be the leading cause of drug‑related deaths. Cocaine use affected about 4.3 million Europeans, with a growing problem of crack cocaine in vulnerable communities. Ketamine misuse is also rising, particularly in nightlife settings.

The agency calls for stronger enforcement against illegal traders, tighter control of precursor chemicals, and the implementation of a new EU drug strategy and action plan to curb supply and enhance prevention programs across member states.