Sittings · Document

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2797(RSP)) 2026-09-09

On narco-trafficking in Europe’s waters: protecting our borders and supporting our law enforcement officers

on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Ana Miguel Pedro, Dolors Montserrat

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Parliament's resolution condemns drug trafficking in EU waters and the attacks and deaths linked to it, and calls for more funding, resources and coordination for law enforcement and judicial bodies. It asks for stronger maritime surveillance and European assets in key Atlantic trafficking zones, better cooperation with MAOC-N, Frontex, EMSA, Europol and Eurojust, and attention to the EU's outermost regions. It calls for action against corruption, money laundering and illicit financial flows, and for Member States to trace, freeze, seize and confiscate criminal assets. It backs the EU drugs strategy and its action plan, and calls for investment in prevention, education, treatment, harm reduction and community resilience, with victims and vulnerable young people at the centre. It calls for cooperation with third countries, including West African and Latin American and Caribbean countries, and with China on precursor chemicals, and for protection of port workers, dockers, fishers and witnesses.

Key points

  1. Condemns the attacks and regrets the loss of lives of victims of drug trafficking in the EU, and expresses condolences to their families.
  2. Condemns criminal networks in drug trafficking and urges the Commission and Member States to reinforce law enforcement and judicial capabilities through increased funding and resources.
  3. Calls on the Commission to complete its assessment of whether the existing EU legal framework against illicit drugs remains fit for purpose.
  4. Takes note of the July 2026 proposal for a new EU sanctions regime targeting serious organised crime, including asset freezes and travel bans.
  5. Calls for EU-level dialogue on maritime pursuits and for strengthened, internationally coordinated maritime capabilities and European assets in key Atlantic trafficking zones.
  6. Stresses that the fight against drug trafficking must comply with EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including data protection and privacy rules.
  7. Urges Frontex, EMSA, Eurojust and Europol to strengthen joint activities in EU waters and cooperation with MAOC-N, with parliamentary and judicial oversight.
  8. Calls for adequate resources for MAOC-N, the EU ports strategy, the EU drugs strategy and the action plan against drug trafficking 2026–2030, and for training for port workers and law enforcement.
  9. Calls for risk-based tracking and inspection of vessels, investment in maritime surveillance, and support for dockers and fishers facing threats and blackmail.
  10. Calls for judicial and operational cooperation with third countries, including EU-West African cooperation, and with China on precursor chemicals.
  11. Calls for stronger action against corruption, money laundering and illicit financial flows, and for Member States to freeze, seize and confiscate criminal assets.
  12. Calls for sustained investment in prevention, treatment and harm reduction, and for Member States to protect witnesses and persons coerced into criminal activity, including minors.

Who is affected

  • Member States: asked to reinforce law enforcement, protect witnesses and strengthen asset freezing and confiscation.
  • EU agencies Frontex, EMSA, Europol, Eurojust and EUDA: urged to strengthen joint activities, intelligence-sharing and training.
  • Port workers, dockers and fishers: to receive training, prevention and protection measures against threats and blackmail.
  • EU outermost regions: their exposure to drug trafficking should be taken into account in the EU response.
  • Third countries, including West African, Latin American and Caribbean countries and China: cooperation on trafficking, capacity-building and precursor chemicals.

Figures and deadlines

  • 20 December 1988: adoption of the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
  • 1 April 2025: Commission communication on ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy (COM(2025)0148).
  • 2026-2030: period of the EU action plan against drug trafficking.
  • 1997: establishment of the Council's Horizontal Working Party on Drugs (HDG).
  • More than 40 countries: participants in the European Coalition against Drugs.
  • 2000: signing of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime in Palermo.
  • 31 October 2003: adoption of the UN Convention against Corruption.
  • 9 November 2025: adoption of the Joint Declaration of the Fourth CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta.

Legal basis: Treaty on European Union and Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular their provisions on the area of freedom, security and justice.

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