Effective and evidence-based responses to the increased availability and use of synthetic drugs and stimulants in Europe

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

The topic funds research and tools for evidence-based prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement responses to synthetic drugs and stimulants. Proposals should foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers and security practitioners.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

Scope

The topic seeks evidence-based responses to the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs and stimulants, such as cocaine and crack cocaine, in the EU. The topic text notes a lack of pharmacological data on emerging drugs needed for risk assessment.

Key focus areas

• Strengthening the evidence base for prevention, treatment and harm reduction, including evaluating current interventions.
• Reducing violence and offending linked to the use and marketing of synthetic drugs, including the socio-economic, cultural, gender and age factors behind them.
• Improving technologies and tools to combat drug trafficking along the entire supply chain.
• Analysing external drivers such as geopolitical situations, legal frameworks and international crises and their effect on drug markets and organised crime in the EU.

How the work should be organised

Proposals should foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers and security practitioners, address technological and societal dimensions in a balanced way, and plan a mid-term assessment by the practitioners involved. Funded projects are expected to engage with the Europol Innovation Lab and the EU Drugs Agency, including validating outcomes.

Technology readiness

Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-8 by the end of the project.

Quando scade il bando?

4 novembre 2027 (363 giorni)

4 November 2027 (single-stage submission).