European Commissioner visits Lisbon to prepare new EU plan against drug trafficking

The European Commissioner for Home Affairs begins a visit to Lisbon today to “explore new ways” to strengthen the fight against organized crime in the European Union, preparing a new action plan against drug trafficking.

“One of the main reasons for my visit to Portugal is to explore new ways to strengthen our fight against organized crime,” announced Magnus Brunner in a written interview with the Lusa news agency.

The Commissioner recalled that in April the European Commission presented the ProtectEU programme, which includes measures to increase effectiveness in the fight against crime, and anticipated that, by the end of the year, these measures will be complemented by a new EU strategy and action plan against drug trafficking.

Magnus Brunner is participating today in the launch of the European report for 2025 by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), also meeting with Portuguese authorities to discuss internal EU matters.

In the afternoon, he will visit the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and meet with the national director of the Judicial Police to discuss migration and security priorities, including the fight against smuggling and organised crime.

On Friday, the last day of the visit, the European Commissioner will visit the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (MAOC-N).

“Portugal already cooperates effectively with the rest of the EU”, argued the Commissioner, giving the example of “the success of different actions coordinated by Europol and through the European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats”.

Magnus Brunner said it was no coincidence that “key agencies such as EUDA and EMSA are based in Portugal, as well as MAOC-N, a key player” in the fight against drug trafficking.

Drug trafficking continues to be one of the main threats to public health and security in the European Union and recent data show a growing sophistication and expansion of the criminal networks involved.

In recent years, there has been an increase in cocaine seizures – which reached 362 tons in 2022 – and the expansion of the market for synthetic drugs, such as MDMA and methamphetamines.

European ports, where around 70% of seizures occur, are critical points in the distribution chain, often exploited by criminal networks.

Despite advances, drug trafficking remains deeply linked to other forms of organised crime and is a significant source of illegal funding, estimated at up to €130 billion per year.