Leaders discuss European efforts to combat drug trafficking at Yerevan summit

On May 4, 2026, during the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenian, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides called for increased collective EU action against drug trafficking. The discussion focused on the European Coalition to Combat Drugs, an initiative previously established by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a Copenhagen summit. President Christodoulides emphasized the security of European ports and maritime surveillance as primary areas for improvement. He highlighted the EU drug strategy, which was adopted in March under the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council, as a critical framework for current actions. The participating nations are co-signing a declaration that prioritizes three main areas: combating drug trafficking, addressing related financial crimes, and reducing demand. The president underscored that these enforcement efforts must be balanced with a commitment to public health through prevention strategies. The proposals presented by Macron and Meloni aim to facilitate closer cooperation among member states to dismantle organized smuggling networks. All participants reiterated their commitment to protecting EU citizens from the dangers posed by international drug operations.