International drug policy
There is a lot of international cooperation to reduce the supply and demand of narcotics, and to prevent the associated risks and harms. In its drug policy, Finland implements the United Nations international drug control conventions, engages in international cooperation and actively participates in the planning and implementation of the European Union’s joint drug policy.
United Nations (UN)
International drug control is based on three UN conventions: The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 and the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988. The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) analyses the global narcotic drug situation and makes proposals for strengthening the international drug control system. CND places narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under international control based on the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO). At the recommendation of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), drug precursors are subject to the control measures.
Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
Pompidou
Pompidou Group – Co-operation Group to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Drugs
European Union (EU)
The Council of the European Union has adopted a drugs strategy for the period 2013–2020, which is implemented in accordance with a related Action Plan for the period 2017–2020. The EU drugs strategy emphasises an approach balanced in terms of control policy and public health, and the use of measures based on scientific evidence.
The Horizontal Working Party on Drugs (HDG) is the primary decision-making body for advancing the joint initiatives by the Member States and the Commission. HDG coordinates the EU drug policy measures, the EU cooperation in international fora and cooperation with third countries. The EU has its own system for including new psychoactive substances under control measures in the EU.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) collects comparable and reliable data on drug use and related harm as well as the means of preventing use and related harm from EU Member States to support drug policy decision-making. The EMCDDA publishes an annual report on the EU’s drug situation.
Council of Europe
In the Council of Europe, drugs issues are processed in the inter-governmental Pompidou Group. The Pompidou Group has permanent working groups and networks. In addition, the Pompidou Group organises thematic meetings and maintains research projects.
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