EUSR`s Opening Speech at the International Forum on Countering Transnational Drug Threats to Public Health and Security

Excellencies, distinguished representatives, ladies and gentlemen,

I thank Uzbekistan and UNODC for hosting us today.

Illicit drug production and trafficking is a global criminal enterprise—exploiting supply chains, maritime routes, and financial systems.

In Central Asia and globally, we see a surge in synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, a shift from transit-based systems to local production and diversification, as well as new smuggling methods, including sophisticated concealment and bidirectional flows, 

This is escalating organised crime threats, fuelling violence in our communities.

These challenges demand strong collective action and global cooperation at the UNODC.

Our recent collaboration at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, adopting the resolution on "Strengthening Early Warning Mechanisms" demonstrates this.

I commend the Kyrgyz Republic’s leadership on this initiative, fully aligned with EU priorities and co-sponsored by the EU and its Member States.

A fragmented approach won’t suffice. The EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan Against Drug Trafficking take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and balanced approach, focusing on:

Enhancing preparedness for drug-related health and security threats;

Protecting public health through evidence-based prevention and treatment;

Improving security while safeguarding society;

Reducing harm, including combating stigma for users;

And building strong partnerships with third countries, regional bodies, and the UN.

We support policies that are science-based, people-centred, human rights-aligned, and consistent with UN drug control conventions.

Regionally, EU-Central Asia cooperation is vital to reduce supply, protect health, and strengthen resilience.

For over two decades, the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP) has supported regional partners.

Its new phase adopts a balanced, evidence-based approach aiming at demand and supply — to promote stability and public security through:

Dialogue and capacity-building;

Expertise exchange;

National and regional policy development, all underpinned by human rights and gender responsiveness.

CADAP has fostered cooperation among countries and with the EU. 

Through our partnership with the UNODC and parallel initiatives like BOMCA and EU ACT work on border management and organised crime.

In closing, the EU remains committed to working with partners and UNODC.

I am pleased to announce the EU-Central Asia Dialogue on Drugs in Brussels on 13 May, where we will further strengthen our collective response.

Together, we can protect health, reinforce security, and advance sustainable development for all.

Thank you.