European Parliament urges urgent, coordinated action against drug trafficking networks

The European Parliament on Wednesday called for an urgent and coordinated response to tackle drug trafficking networks, in a resolution adopted by 601 votes to 4, with 5 abstentions.

The resolution stressed the importance of strengthening maritime surveillance, port security, information sharing, and international cooperation, in addition to ramping up prevention measures to confront trafficking networks that have become increasingly interconnected, organized, and aggressive.

Lawmakers called for increased funding for law enforcement agencies and for frontline staff to be provided with the necessary equipment, training, personnel, and legal protection. They also urged EU agencies—particularly Europol, Eurojust, Frontex, and the European Maritime Safety Agency—to step up joint operations in European waters and to share real-time intelligence with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre–Narcotics (MAOC-N).

In the same context, the Parliament emphasized the need to bolster port security and protect port workers from intimidation, intensify maritime surveillance, and track and inspect vessels based on risk levels. The resolution also called for stronger efforts to combat money laundering, as well as the identification, freezing, and confiscation of assets linked to drug trafficking.

Strengthening international cooperation and broadening the response

The European Parliament highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation with non-EU countries to address trafficking and transit routes and to counter chemicals used in drug production. Lawmakers noted that the European response should not be limited to security measures, but should also include public health, prevention, demand reduction, treatment, and harm reduction, with a focus on the experiences of victims, affected communities, and children and youth most at risk.

The resolution follows the European Commission's introduction of a new strategy and action plan to combat drug trafficking in December 2025.