Cannabis and cocaine remain the most commonly used illegal drugs across the European Union, but other substances, including synthetic drugs, are emerging as significant public health concerns, according to a joint report by the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Nearly one in three Europeans have tried illegal drugs at some point, with younger populations showing notable usage patterns. Among young adults, 15% reported using cannabis in the past year, while 2.5% admitted to using cocaine. The highest rates of cannabis use were observed in the Czech Republic, Italy, France, and Spain, while Malta, Turkey, and Hungary reported the lowest. Similarly, cocaine use was most prevalent in the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland and least common in Turkey, Portugal, Poland, and Hungary.

Regular drug use is linked to serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, accidents, and infectious diseases such as HIV, particularly among users of injectable drugs.

Drug Availability Unaffected by Penalties

Despite varying drug enforcement policies across EU member states, the availability of illegal substances remains largely unaffected, especially among young people. Sabrina Molinaro, an epidemiologist and research director at Italy’s National Research Council, emphasized that strict penalties often fail to target heavy users effectively.

“The major penalties impact only the people who use the substance once or fewer times in a year, so not the real heavy users,” Molinaro explained.

Molinaro, who coordinates the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs, noted that drug use trends among 16-year-olds have remained consistent over decades. For instance, while boys have historically been more likely to use cannabis, the gender gap has narrowed significantly, with some countries even reporting higher usage rates among girls.

Emerging Risks from Synthetic Drugs

While cannabis and cocaine dominate, other substances like MDMA (ecstasy), heroin, and synthetic drugs pose escalating risks. Synthetic drugs, including lab-manufactured cannabinoids and stimulants, are particularly concerning due to their unpredictable composition and potential for contamination.

“They are so dangerous because you don’t know what you are taking,” Molinaro warned, adding that these substances are often produced in substandard labs, increasing the risk of harmful pollutants.

In 2022, hundreds of synthetic drug labs were dismantled across the EU. The following year, the EU’s early warning system identified seven new synthetic opioid substances, underscoring the challenges authorities face in regulating these compounds swiftly.

“Synthetic opioids are a very big health issue in the adult population,” Molinaro said.

As drug usage trends continue to evolve, experts emphasize the need for robust monitoring, public awareness, and targeted interventions to mitigate the health risks associated with drug use across Europe.

In his 2024 Christmas message, King Charles III expressed profound gratitude to health workers who supported him and his family through a challenging year marked by two cancer diagnoses.

The 76-year-old monarch, speaking in a pre-recorded address, praised the dedication of medical professionals. “From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness and have helped provide the strength, care, and comfort we have needed,” he said.

A Challenging Year

Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, prompting a two-month hiatus from public duties. The monarch has since resumed engagements, including an October tour of Australia and the South Pacific, where he appeared in good spirits.

Shortly after the King’s diagnosis, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, also announced her own battle with cancer. Kate, who completed chemotherapy this year, has gradually returned to public life. On Christmas Day, she attended services at Sandringham alongside other senior royals, where she embraced a cancer patient in a touching moment of solidarity.

In her annual Christmas carol service broadcast from Westminster Abbey, Kate reflected on the challenges of the year, emphasizing the importance of empathy. “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences,” she said.

Broader Reflections

The King’s address also touched on global and domestic issues. He spoke about the “devastating effects of conflict” in regions such as the Middle East, Central Europe, and Africa, underscoring the toll of war on communities worldwide.

On the home front, he praised the resilience of communities that came together in the wake of riots sparked by a tragic stabbing attack at a dance class, which left three girls dead and several others injured.

Royal Family’s Public Appearance

Earlier on Christmas Day, the King, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals attended church services in Sandringham. The family walked together, greeting well-wishers who had gathered to see them.

This year marks King Charles III’s third Christmas address since ascending the throne in September 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. His heartfelt message highlighted the importance of unity, resilience, and gratitude during trying times, resonating with audiences across the nation.