EU Statement at the 66th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the preparations for the mid-term review, to be held in 2024, of progress made in implementing all[...]

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EU Statement at the 66th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the preparations for the mid-term review, to be held in 2024, of progress made in implementing all international drug policy commitments, as delivered on 17 March 2023

17.03.2023 Press and information team of the Delegation to UN and OSCE in Vienna

Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Türkiye^§, North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Serbia^*, Albania^*, Ukraine^*, the Republic of Moldova^*, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, Georgia, Iceland⁺, Liechtenstein⁺, Norway⁺, Armenia, Andorra and San Marino.

The EU and its Member States would like to commend you, Mr Chair, for your efforts to reach consensus on the modalities resolution, which determines the way forward for the upcoming mid-term review. We highly appreciated and were very grateful for your constructive approach in conducting the negotiations with a view to a positive outcome.

The EU and its Member States look forward to the upcoming comprehensive stock- taking exercise in the lead up to the 2024 mid-term review of the progress made in implementing all international drug policy commitments. Our joint ambition for the mid-term review should be to accelerate, where needed, the implementation of existing drug policy commitments, in particular the 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, up until the review in 2029.

We look forward to an inclusive, transparent and open stock-taking exercise which must include effective and meaningful participation from a wide range of participants, including international or regional organisations, all relevant UN entities, including human rights bodies, the academic and scientific community, civil society, and, where appropriate, the private sector.

The EU will continue to support you and your team for the remainder of your chairpersonship for the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

§Candidate Country

*Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, as well as potential Candidate Country Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

+Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are members of the EFTA and of the European Economic Area.