Brussels, 26 - 27 November 2024

The European Union (EU) is at a critical point in addressing drug-related violence. This violence comes in many forms and is growing in complexity. It feeds on the organised crime occurring in fragile social environments, affecting communities and perpetuating a range of problems.

Recognising this, the EU Drugs Strategy 2021–2025, along with the EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, emphasise the need for strong, early preventative measures. However, the increasing complexity and violence within drug markets present significant challenges. These include inconsistent data and a lack of reliable indicators for designing effective responses, as well as difficulties in ensuring multi-sector and multi-level coordination to address the increasing violence.

In response to the rising concerns, the EU Drugs Agency, in collaboration with the European Commission has organised this thematic conference. The event will address the various aspects of drug-related violence, balancing both health and security concerns and promoting the ideas of community safety and public health. It will also catalyse existing collaboration, by providing a platform for discussion, sharing good practices and, ultimately, shaping a call for proactive policies and interventions while promoting innovation and research.

Objectives

• Establish a comprehensive understanding of the situation regarding drug-related violence across the EU;
• Develop a plan to expand the monitoring of drug-related violence in the EU, considering the inclusion of incidents occurring outside the EU that may impact the EU;
• Highlight initiatives already underway in the EU and promote innovation and research;
• Foster multi-sector and multi-level collaboration among actors concerned, including law enforcement, health and social services, local authorities and policymakers;
• Consider how available information, methods, and analyses can be applied to support Europe's preparedness for future threats in this area; and
• Advance comprehensive prevention responses and the development of protective environments and communities.