EU Cross-Border Fight Against Illegal Drug Trafficking Evaluation

Portugal was the 8th Member State evaluated in this round, with an evaluation visit scheduled for 7 to 11 July 2025

• Report positively acknowledges the articulation between the national authorities, efficacy of investigations, and cross border and maritime operational cooperation
• Portuguese Government will follow the recommendations under the follow-up for this type of evaluation, including 18-month follow up

Portugal's evaluation in the 11th EU Peer Review round

The Ministry of Justice, via the Directorate-General for Justice Policy, informs that the Portuguese report on the 11th round of EU peer reviews on the cross-border fight against illegal drug trafficking was recently presented at the Working Party on Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters of the Council of the European Union.

The aim of this peer review is to assess the main operational and leal challenges faced by the judicial, law enforcement, and customs authorities in the Member States, as well as identify best practice to be shared on a European level. Portugal was the eighth Member State evaluated under this round with the visit scheduled for 7 to 11 July 2025, where the various competent national authorities will participate.

The report, which is still classified, acknowledges in a very positive way the work carried out by Portugal in fighting illegal drug trafficking, noting the quality of articulation between the national authorities, the efficacy in investigation coordination, and the solidity of operational cooperation, particularly in a cross-border and maritime context. The consistent use of financial investigation and asset recovery instruments are also valued, as well as the various good practices identified in the national system, considered to be suitable to share at a European level. The report also issues recommendations in areas where adjustments or improvements can be introduced.

In the upcoming months, the Portuguese Government will follow the report conclusions by an internal analysis of the recommendations and the articulation between the competent authorities, with a view to adopt the suitable follow-up measures. This work will take place under the framework set for this type of evaluation - including an 18-month follow up - and will include meetings with the services and authorities directly addressed.