On 21 July, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, co-hosted the second Ministerial meeting of the European Ports Alliance Public-Private Partnership, alongside the Danish Presidency of the Council. While defining the next steps in strengthening EU port security in response to evolving drug trafficking methods, discussions focussed on further promoting cooperation and information-sharing between public and private stakeholders, and incorporating security considerations into the upcoming EU Ports Strategy.
With over 1,800 tonnes of illicit drugs seized at or in transit to EU seaports between 2019 and 2024, ports remain the primary entry point for drugs into the EU. Despite increased controls leading to a reduction in seizures at major EU ports, criminals are adapting by using new methods to hide drugs or redirecting shipments to other ports and routes. The European Ports Alliance Public-Private Partnership seeks to reinforce the resilience of all EU ports.
Launched in January 2024, the Alliance aims to bolster the security and resilience of EU ports against organised crime and drug trafficking, a key priority of the new ProtectEU Strategy.
Held at the Maritime Museum of Denmark in Helsingør, the Ministerial meeting brought together over 100 high-level representatives from EU Member States and European port and shipping operators, to welcome Norway and Switzerland to the Alliance, stress the importance of including smaller and inland ports, and explore ways to improve cooperation with countries of origin and transit of drugs to tackle the inflow of drugs at the source.
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Keynote speech at the European Ports Alliance Ministerial meeting
European Ports Alliance to fight drug trafficking and organised crime
