On 29 October 2025, the Commission organised a ‘Reality check’ on the Council Framework Decision on criminal acts and applicable penalties for drug trafficking, under the framework of the European Judicial Organised Crime Network. Practitioners in the field of organised crime, mostly prosecutors or investigative judges, coming from all EU countries, shared their experiences with the Framework Decision and resulting challenges.
Discussion focused on the Framework Decision, and the efficiency of its implementation, its coherence with other initiatives to counter illicit drug trafficking in EU countries and possible obstacles to cross-border cooperation. To reduce investigative burdens, participants suggested to clarify the liability of legal persons or considering higher penalties.
The Commission will produce a report of the reality check, highlighting main findings. This will feed into the ongoing evaluation of the Council Framework Decision on illicit drug trafficking. The Commission will publish a Staff Working Document on the evaluation in the second quarter of 2026.
