The 15th meeting of the European Union Security Hub concluded in Chișinău with a set of concrete actions to strengthen the fight against drugs. The Republic of Moldova and its European partners will accelerate information sharing, cross-border investigations, the identification of new psychoactive substances, and the development of an early warning system, while further strengthening prevention efforts and protecting public health.
The meeting, held on September 3 and jointly organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), brought together national institutions, the European Commission, EU agencies, and representatives of EU Member States around a common priority: ensuring a faster and more coordinated response to the rapidly evolving drug market and the criminal networks behind it.
The operational conclusions reached at the conference establish concrete areas for action and will guide continued cooperation following the meeting in Chișinău.
Faster alerts when new drugs emerge
One of the agreed priorities is to accelerate the development of Moldova’s National Early Warning System for new psychoactive substances and connect it with the European mechanism coordinated by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
The aim is to ensure that the emergence of a new and potentially dangerous substance is identified and reported rapidly to the relevant institutions, allowing authorities to take action before it becomes more widespread.
To support this effort, a concrete implementation plan will be developed for the Working Arrangement signed between the EUDA, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The plan will cover information sharing, joint analysis, technical assistance, and regular assessments of progress.
More investigations and faster cross-border information sharing
Moldova, Europol, Frontex, and EU Member States will step up joint investigations, operational actions, and real-time information sharing, with a particular focus on criminal networks involved in the trafficking of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances.
A key priority will be identifying and disrupting drug trafficking through postal and courier services, which are increasingly being exploited by criminal networks to transport and distribute drugs.
At the same time, Moldova will strengthen its participation in EMPACT 2026 – 2027, including the Operational Action Plan on Synthetic Drugs and New Psychoactive Substances, by making full use of the expertise and support provided by Europol, EUDA, Frontex, CEPOL, and other European partners.
The direction set in Chișinău is clear: criminal networks operate across borders, and investigations must be able to do the same – quickly, effectively, and in close cooperation with international partners.
Stronger capabilities to identify synthetic drugs
The conclusions of the EU Security HUB meeting also identify the modernization of Moldova’s forensic capabilities as a priority.
The growing number and diversity of substances requiring analysis are placing increasing pressure on forensic laboratories. In response, efforts will focus on investing in modern equipment, validating new analytical methods, strengthening specialist training, and expanding cooperation with European laboratories, including those within the EUDA network.
The objective is to reduce the time required to analyze samples while increasing the capacity to accurately identify synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances.
At the same time, Moldova will establish a more secure and comprehensive traceability system for confiscated controlled substances, covering the entire process – from seizure and forensic examination to storage and final destruction.
The mechanism will bring together the Police, Border Police, Customs Service, prosecutors, and forensic laboratories, ensuring clear accountability and secure handling at every stage.
Investing in specialists and response capacity
Another key outcome of the meeting is the need to strengthen the skills and preparedness of professionals directly involved in preventing and combating drug-related crime and substance use.
Moldova will make greater use of training programmes offered by CEPOL and other European mechanisms to strengthen the expertise of police officers and specialists in criminal investigations, risk analysis, forensic science, and other relevant fields.
Training will focus in particular on emerging trafficking methods, synthetic drugs, the identification of new psychoactive substances, risk analysis, and the rapid exchange of operational information.
The fight against drugs goes beyond seizures and criminal cases
One of the meeting’s key conclusions is that tackling the drug problem requires a coordinated, society-wide response.
Police, border and customs authorities, prosecutors, and forensic experts must work alongside institutions responsible for health, education, and social services.
Moldova will strengthen the permanent coordination mechanism among these institutions to ensure that the state’s response addresses the full range of challenges – from disrupting drug trafficking and supply to preventing drug use, reducing demand, and protecting public health.
This approach is particularly important when it comes to children and young people. Prevention and early intervention must begin before they come into contact with drugs, rather than only after drug use or involvement in distribution has already occurred.
The conclusions also set out specific measures to address drug trafficking and use in correctional facilities by strengthening detection and prevention, improving access to medical services, and applying relevant European best practices.
Commitments will be monitored and evaluated
The actions agreed upon in Chișinău are not merely recommendations. They represent concrete commitments that will be followed up and assessed.
The Security Hub will conduct periodic progress assessments, with priorities adjusted as necessary in response to changes in the drug market, emerging threats, and the results achieved.
The conclusions and identified needs will also inform relevant European Union projects and support mechanisms for the Republic of Moldova.
These actions directly support the country’s commitments in the EU accession process, particularly under Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security.
A united front to protect people
The 15th meeting of the Security Hub marks a clear shift from cooperation to action: faster information sharing, earlier identification of new drugs, joint cross-border investigations, stronger forensic capabilities, and more effective prevention.
For citizens, the objective is clear and tangible: fewer drugs reaching the market, stronger protection for children and young people, and institutions better equipped to identify and dismantle criminal networks. The Republic of Moldova and the European Union will continue working together to implement the actions agreed in Chișinău, ensuring that cooperation on the Security Hub platform delivers concrete results for the safety of Moldovan people and the security of the wider European space.
