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: North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, Georgia, Iceland⁺, Norway⁺, and San Marino.

Synthetic opioids and the non-medical use of prescription drugs pose different challenges in different regions. In the EU, too, these are the source of growing concern: established and novel synthetic opioids are becoming more associated with both drug-related morbidity and mortality. Between 2009 and 2022, a total of 74 new opioids were identified on the European drug market, with the EU Early Warning System receiving formal notifications of one additional new synthetic opioid in 2022 and three in the first four months of 2023.

Availability of new synthetic opioids in the European Union is fuelled by globalised chemical markets, small-scale production, the internet, and differences in control measures across countries. While currently they do not affect the world equally, synthetic opioids may become even more available in the future in some areas of the EU, given the relative ease by which these substances can be obtained through online sources or synthesised. Production can, for example, take place near consumer markets and is facilitated by innovation in production using a diverse group of precursors or pre-precursor chemicals. Synthetic opioids can be highly potent, so small production runs can result in a large number of potential street doses. These factors can be seen as increasing profitability and reducing the risks of detection. A decrease in the availability of heroin may also drive an increase in demand for synthetic opioids.

For all these reasons, any developments need to be closely monitored and mitigating measures may be needed, which could include increasing treatment capacity, strengthening harm reduction strategies and introducing more robust law enforcement measures to target synthetic opioid supply. Poly-drug use and drug interactions may require to review service delivery models and certain interventions designed to reduce the risk of drug overdoses, including fatal ones. The possibility of synthetic opioids becoming a driver for opioid initiation among younger age cohorts would be an extremely negative development from a public health perspective. Therefore, it is critical to strengthen monitoring and actively implement prevention efforts as well as ensure treatment facilities and counselling for those who suffer from addiction or are at a higher risk.

In this context we welcome the initiative for a Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats by the US, which the European Union has joined. We hope that together we could strengthen the global response to the international public health and safety challenges posed by synthetic drugs, including synthetic opioids, and look forward to concrete deliverables from the work of the Global Coalition ahead of the 2024 mid-term review of the implementation of the international drug policy commitments.

No region can be immune from the threat of synthetic drugs. There is also a trend of increasing use of opioid-containing medicines, and of opioid-related harm in the EU. According to UNODC and the EMCDDA, the non-medical use of medicinal products, including medicines containing opioids, constitutes a continuing and growing concern imposing an increased burden on public health in some countries across the globe and in Europe.

Distinguished chair,

In light of the threat to health and security that synthetic opioids pose globally, the recent discussions in the EU on this topic pointed to the importance of improved monitoring, relevant and reliable data, training and research to gain a better understanding of the situation worldwide, for example regarding the use, harm, the extent of production and trafficking and the significance of narcotic medicines in organised crime. Preparedness is key, and evidence must guide our responses. Exchanging information internationally and cooperation is needed between different stakeholders, involving also the relevant international organisations such as UNODC, the INCB and the WHO, in order to prevent the trafficking, production and non-medical use of medicines. This is important for developing balanced and appropriate responses.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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

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