The European Parliament debated narco-trafficking in EU waters on 8 July 2026, following the killing of two Spanish Guardia Civil agents. Commissioner Costas Kadis presented the Commission's comprehensive approach: the EU drugs strategy, anti-trafficking action plan, European Ports Alliance, and planned mandates for Europol, Eurojust, and Frontex. Speakers diverged sharply on several points.
On EU vs national action, Kadis, Leoluca Orlando (Greens/EFA), Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle (Renew), and Caterina Chinnici (EPP) backed stronger EU coordination, while Majbritt Birkholm (PfE) rejected 'more Europe' and called for national border controls. On migration linkage, Mary Khan (ESN), Maciej Wąsik (ECR), and Jacek Ozdoba (ECR) linked drug trafficking to illegal migration and open borders, but Murielle Laurent (S&D), João Oliveira (The Left), and García Hermida-van der Walle warned against conflating the issues. On enforcement, Ana Miguel Pedro (EPP), Nora Junco García (ECR), and Fabrice Leggeri (PfE) urged clearer rules on proportional force and data-sharing, while Laurent and Oliveira cautioned against militarisation and legal overreach. On ports and corruption, Kadis, Dolors Montserrat (EPP), and García Hermida-van der Walle stressed anti-corruption and intelligence-sharing, with Leggeri criticising data-protection constraints. On demand reduction, Kadis, Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D), and Oliveira emphasised prevention and treatment alongside enforcement. Domestic political blame featured prominently: Hermann Tertsch (PfE) and Montserrat attacked the Spanish government, while Aguilar and Oliveira accused the far right of exploiting the debate. Broad consensus existed on the seriousness of the threat, solidarity with law enforcement, and the need for better cooperation and resources. Kadis closed by noting the Commission would consider Members' views, with a vote scheduled for the next round.