Breaking the cycle: addressing the evolving dynamic of violence associated with the European drug market

Abstract

Introduction

While the greatest share of violence associated with drug markets has historically been borne in the Global South (UNODC, 2023), this phenomenon is now increasingly recognised as a pressing security concern within Europe. What was once perceived as a problem confined to specific “hotspots” such as major importation hubs is now recognised as a more generalised and growing challenge to public safety, health and social cohesion. These developments generate considerable public and policy concern, profoundly impacting communities and civil security across Europe.

The multifaceted nature of drug-related violence extends beyond simple market disputes, requiring a nuanced understanding of several distinct drivers. Criminal governance literature highlights violence as a key regulatory tool in illicit markets, particularly in establishing and defending territory between competing criminal organisations (Gambetta, 1993; Lessing, 2021; Varese, 2017). However, violence also functions internally within criminal networks to enforce discipline, punish transgressions and manage leadership succession, given the absence of formal legal resource for contract enforcement (Kostelnik and Skarbek, 2013; Reuter, 2009; Warburton, 2025). Furthermore, violence serves as a critical mechanism for debt recovery in an illicit economy lacking formal legal channels (Hall and Antonopoulos, 2017).

Acknowledging this complexity highlights a core problem underlying both our understanding and ability to react: the lack of robust, systematic data on drug-related violence across European countries that is nuanced to reflect the different forms drug-related violence may take. This data gap hampers effective cross-national comparisons, impedes evidence-informed policy decisions and risks reliance on anecdotal reports or public perceptions. This conclusion was acknowledged by experts meeting at the First European Conference on Drug-Related Violence (Brussels, November 2024). The meetings conclusions identified the need for actions to put in place the analytical capacity and systems necessary to understand better the evolving nature of the threat posed by drug market violence in Europe in order to assist the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and other stakeholders identify the strategic priorities that need to be addressed to improve Europe’s policy resilience and preparedness in this area.

In line with the conference’s Call to Action (EUDA 2024), this article outlines the context of drug market-related violence in Europe and identifies four strategic priority areas for Europe’s future response (1) strengthening data collection and monitoring, (2) developing city-level information sources and collaborations, (3) evaluating and sharing good practices in prevention and enforcement and (4) establishing a regular forum for information exchange. The subsequent sections discuss each priority area in turn, seeking to “break the cycle” of market-related violence through evidence-informed and coordinated action. It is important to note that the intention here is not to provide an exhaustive analysis of how Europe needs to respond to violence linked to the drug market. Rather, we wish to inform a more strategic discussion on what should be our current priorities at European level for strengthening responses.