European Drug Report 2026 highlights increased drug availability and criminal activity

The European Drug Report 2026, presented on Tuesday by Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), details a complex and evolving drug market across 29 participating countries, including EU member states, Norway, and Turkey. The report identifies cannabis as the most widely used illicit drug, with an estimated 8.7% of European adults aged 15 to 64, or 25 million individuals, reporting use within the past year. Authorities have noted that shifts in regulatory approaches toward cannabis across member states necessitate ongoing monitoring of potential public health impacts. Cocaine is ranked as the second most used illicit substance, commonly found in powder or crack form. The findings emphasize that drug trafficking is increasingly linked to sophisticated organized crime networks, leading to higher availability and potency of substances. Specific concerns regarding the situation in Cyprus were also highlighted within the broader context of the report. The data underscores the need for continued vigilance as market patterns and consumption habits change across Europe.