EU Statement at CND69 on challenges and future work of the CND and the WHO in the review of substances for possible scheduling recommendations, 10 March 2026

EU Statement at CND69 on challenges and future work of the CND and the WHO in the review of substances for possible scheduling recommendations, 10 March 2026

Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.

As we gather here at the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, it is important to acknowledge the primary challenge we face concerning drug precursor control, is the diversion of non-scheduled substances and the proliferation and trafficking of designer precursors.

Being the European Union one of the most impacted regions by this alarming trend, this also triggered the European Commission's proposal to revise EU legislation in this domain.

The proposal is marked by several key innovations aimed at strengthening our response. Firstly, we propose the establishment of a specific category for designer precursors, allowing a clear distinction between substances with legitimate uses and those with no known legitimate use, ensuring that our approach is both targeted and proportionate.

Furthermore, the introduction of a ban on designer precursors is a critical step forward, alongside the possibility to implement generic scheduling exclusively for these substances. This tailored approach is designed to mitigate risks while acknowledging possible legitimate and scientific uses and industrial requirements.

The legislative procedure within the European Union will advance with invaluable input from both the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. Their contributions will be crucial in refining and enacting these measures to tackle the challenges posed by designer precursors.

At an international level, the continued implementation of Resolution 65/3 from 2022 remains the most suitable instrument to address the proliferation and trafficking of designer precursors. This resolution provides a framework for collective action and underscores the importance of international collaboration.

The proactive scheduling of designer precursors, specifically esters of amphetamine-type stimulant precursors, proposed by the INCB in 2023, proved successful on all fronts. It received unanimous approval from all members and, notably, caused criminals designing these substances to take nearly two years to find a suitable alternative.

Therefore, it is essential that we persist in this direction, as international scheduling proves significantly more effective than scheduling at national level.

Additionally, it is of utmost importance to enhance our engagement with the countries identified as responsible for producing designer precursors utilised in the illicit manufacture of drugs. Such cooperation is decisive in curbing the global spread and impact of these substances.

Together, through international collaboration, we can tackle the issues with designer precursors.

Thank you for your attention.