On November 26-27, 2024, the First European Conference on Drug-Related Violence organised by the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA) took place in Brussels, Belgium. The conference covered a variety of topics, different perspectives, problems and solutions. The speakers and participants were representatives from various organisations, agencies, institutions, university professors, municipal and regional representatives, operatives, representatives of the judiciary. Bulgarian representatives at the conference were Ina Metodieva (NFP external expert, National Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Interior) and Iveta Andonova-Hristova (National Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Interior).
The key objectives of the forum were the following:
- Establish a comprehensive understanding of the situation regarding drug-related violence across the EU.
- Inform the development of a plan to expand the monitoring of drug-related violence in the EU.
- Highlight initiatives already underway in the EU and promote innovation and research.
- Foster multi-sector and multi-level collaboration among relevant stakeholders, 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.
- Advance prevention responses and the development of protective environments and communities.
The conference culminated in a powerful Call to action, delivered by EUDA Executive Director Alexis Goosdeel. The text draws on the issues raised at the event to encourage and support efforts to enhance safety and security across all sectors of society, with measures to anticipate, alert, respond and learn from the growing complexities of drug-related violence. At the conference, leading experts engaged in dynamic discussions, addressing the multifaceted challenges of drug-related violence. The issues explored ranged from public safety and health implications, to responses and innovative strategies and interventions. The focus of the event was how to break the cycle of drug-related violence and build a better future.
The European Union is at a critical juncture in addressing the escalating threat posed by drug-related violence. The conference has brought together diverse voices from policy, practice, research and civil society — providing a cross-sectoral perspective of how drug-related violence affects people’s lives, businesses and economies and requires a unified and coordinated EU approach to respond to it.
The conference’s closing session featured compelling remarks from European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and Belgian Minister of the Interior, Annelies Verlinden, underscoring the urgent need for collective action and cross-sector collaboration.
The time to act is now. Addressing drug-related violence requires comprehensive, collaborative and forward-thinking action. The conference participants called on all EU Member States, policymakers, law enforcement, health, justice and social sectors, local communities and civil society organisations to join in this mission and take bold, unified and coordinated steps towards a safer and more secure Europe.
More information: Call to action on drug-related violence
Source: EUDA