The European Union Drugs Agency warns that Europe’s drug market is becoming more complex, with new synthetic opioids, stronger cannabis products, rising cocaine harms, ketamine misuse and polysubstance use creating new risks for public health and security.

A new report from Folkhälsomyndigheten shows that drug use continues to fall among young people in Sweden, while levels among adults remain stable. Drug-related deaths are decreasing, but drug seizures are rising, pointing to increasing availability.

The 2024 ESPAD report, marking 30 years of monitoring adolescent substance use in Europe, shows a continued decline in drinking and smoking among teenagers but highlights new concerns such as rising e-cigarette use, misuse of pharmaceuticals, and digital risk behaviours. The findings call for stronger prevention and mental health strategies across Europe.