As synthetic drugs continue to pose risks to public health and security in Europe, experts from across the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies' Network (JHAAN) are gathering in Lisbon today to examine how Europe can strengthen its preparedness for an increasingly complex drug landscape. The two-day meeting, Synthetic futures: cross-sector responses to an evolving synthetic drugs landscape, is hosted by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) under its 2026 presidency of the network. Under the theme One Safety, the presidency promotes a cross-sector, integrated approach to building a safer, fairer and more resilient EU.

Synthetic drugs are rapidly changing the nature of drug-related risks in Europe. Novel opioids, designer stimulants, polydrug use and evolving trafficking methods are creating new challenges for communities and authorities alike. Recent developments, including the emergence of nitazenes, darknet-enabled micro-trafficking, increased use of postal and aviation routes for drug smuggling and differing levels of preparedness across Europe, highlight the need for coordinated responses. At the same time, technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and advanced sensing tools are transforming both threats and response capabilities.

Through scenario-based discussions and strategic foresight exercises, participants at the meeting will explore how agencies can anticipate future developments and strengthen cooperation in responding to emerging risks. Discussions will focus on how analytical and foresight findings can support preparedness across policy areas and sectors (security, health, social, digital, environmental). 

By bringing together expertise from across the JHA agencies, the event reflects the joint commitment to promoting a more coordinated, forward-looking and resilient European response to emerging threats.

New foresight resources

Today, the EUDA is launching two new resources: 

The Future of synthetic drugs 2050: Scenarios for Europe 

This resource contains four scenarios developed as part of the EUDA’s Synthetic Drugs 2050 foresight project: ‘Increasing EU resilience to possible developments in the future availability and use of synthetic drugs in Europe by 2050’. The project explored how the availability and use of synthetic drugs in Europe could evolve over the medium and long term, and what this could mean for health, public safety, policy, research and practice.

Foresight starter kit: EUDA foresight FAQ for the drugs and addiction field 

This kit emphasises accessible, low-key entry points to foresight literacy that individuals can use, making foresight manageable alongside other tasks. While not a comprehensive handbook, it is designed for both newcomers and those looking to strengthen existing practices, providing answers to common questions and practical guidance to help anticipate future challenges and opportunities in your working environment. This starter kit complements EUDA toolkits on running trends workshops and scenario workshops.