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Illicit drugs and drug trafficking remain major and evolving security challenges for the European Union, affecting public health, organised crime, border management and social cohesion. Addressing them requires a coordinated, evidence-based approach linking policy, operational needs and research and innovation.

This two-day CERIS workshop will bring together policymakers, practitioners, EU agencies, researchers, civil society and industry to explore how EU-funded security research can support a more effective and integrated response to drugs-related threats. Discussions will cover drug markets and foresight, organised crime, forensics, border and customs controls, and the societal dimension, including youth.

The event will reflect the implementation of the EU Action Plan on drug trafficking and the reinforced role of the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA), while highlighting how research results can better support operational priorities, coordination at EU level and uptake by law-enforcement authorities. Combining policy debates with project demonstrations, the workshop aims to identify lessons learned, remaining gaps and priorities for future cooperation.

Access the agenda via the following link : Research and Innovation against Illicit Drugs: From Foresight to Operational Impact

As part of the effort to move closer to national communities and deepen local engagement, the next edition of the Research and Innovation against Illicit Drugs: From Foresight to Operational Impact will take place in Brussels on 5 and 6 May 2026.