Synthetic futures: cross-sector responses to an evolving synthetic drugs landscape

Synthetic drugs are rapidly reshaping risks for EU internal security and public health. Novel opioids, designer stimulants, polydrug combinations and new trafficking methods are creating complex challenges for communities and authorities across the Union.

Recent developments, including the emergence of nitazines, darknet-enabled micro‑trafficking, increased parcel‑post and aviation smuggling, and uneven readiness across Member States, underscore the need for coordinated action. At the same time, technologies such as AI, blockchain and advanced sensing are transforming both threats and response capabilities.

Under the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies’ Network (JHAAN) presidency One Safety theme, this expert meeting brings together agencies to stress‑test operational and policy options through scenario‑based facilitation, ensuring safeguards for fundamental rights while supporting anticipatory governance.

The meeting will aim to:

• strengthen inter‑agency collaboration through shared strategic intelligence and anticipatory planning
• integrate analytical and foresight findings within the One Safety approach by promoting a cross‑sectoral framework (security, health, social, digital, environmental) and exploring strategic implications for JHA agencies, including operational, regulatory and intelligence dimensions
• identify priority actions for the JHAAN, with a focus on research, innovation and cooperation initiatives