The Sixty-Ninth Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drug
Statement by the Council of Europe International Co-operation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group)
Vienna, 10 March 2026
The Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe reaffirms its commitment to a human rights-based, evidence-driven and holistic approach to drug policies, as set out in our 19th Ministerial Declaration.
Our Work Programme for 2026–2029 identifies six interconnected priority areas, reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary drug challenges and the need for strengthened international cooperation.
We attach particular importance to our partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as a key international actor in advancing justice, security and public health.
In this context, the Pompidou Group stands ready to contribute in six priority areas.
First, combating organised crime and drug trafficking, through enhanced international coordination, including with UNODC; innovative investigative approaches; and strengthened legal and policy frameworks grounded in human rights.
Second, countering emerging drug and addiction threats in online and digital environments, including online drug markets, cyber-enabled crime, and online and digital addictions, as highlighted in recent UNODC and EUDA reports. We support preventive, legislative and regulatory action; enhanced research; and technological tools to disrupt illegal online activities, while protecting children and young people.
Third, advancing harm reduction, health protection and social support policies, by expanding access to harm reduction services and health programmes for people who use drugs, in full respect of their human rights and dignity. We call on the Commission to ensure that policies remain firmly rooted in health-based approaches and human rights.
Fourth, mainstreaming prevention and early intervention, with a focus on youth, through investment in science-based prevention and early intervention, drawing on reliable data and international standards.
Fifth, promoting the meaningful participation of civil society, people with living and lived experience and relevant stakeholders in the design and implementation of drug policies.
Sixth, fostering robust research, improved data collection and policy innovation, to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and enhance international knowledge exchange, including with UNODC.
The Pompidou Group, as a Council of Europe enlarged partial agreement, remains committed to a balanced approach that safeguards public security, protects public health and promotes human rights.
We call on all CND members and our own member States to embrace these priorities, strengthen partnerships and work collectively towards effective, humane and future-oriented drug policies.
The Pompidou Group will continue to work closely with UNODC and other international partners to advance the global response to drug and addictions challenges.
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