BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – According to the European Commission, a fresh strategy was unveiled on October 16 to address human trafficking across the European Union. This initiative precedes EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, authorities identified over 20,000 victims, reflecting an increase of 16.1%. The Commission highlighted that many instances remain undetected. The new plan outlines six key priorities to ensure a unified approach to combatting this crime.
Trafficking within the EU manifests in various forms, such as sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminal coercion, begging, and forced marriage. Women and girls represent 63% of registered victims, predominantly for sexual exploitation, while children account for 15%. Men constitute 74% of victims trafficked for labour purposes. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to exploit vulnerable populations and stressed the need for the EU to adapt its response as cases increase.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that traffickers will face accountability, their networks will be dismantled, and victims will be protected. He reaffirmed that no one should be for sale. This new initiative builds on the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and the updated Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to incorporate into national law by July 15, 2026. The directive expands the scope of trafficking offences.
Six focal points aim at leveraging technology and dismantling criminal networks
The initial priority emphasizes enhancing technological tools to prevent, detect, and investigate trafficking. As recruitment, advertising, and victim control increasingly occur online, this focus is vital. The second priority promotes closer collaboration with businesses and labour inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and facilitate early intervention. The Commission is also establishing a European business coalition against trafficking, with labour inspectors expected to work more closely through the European Labour Authority.
Addressing transnational trafficking connected to organised crime is the third priority. This involves cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led law enforcement, financial investigations, and asset recovery efforts. Member States are encouraged to develop additional joint investigation teams with support from Europol and Eurojust, both of which already assist national investigators in cross-border cases. The fourth priority tackles migration-related risks, advocating for strengthened screening, border procedures, and safeguards in reception conditions for new arrivals in the EU.
Preparedness and victim support form a comprehensive approach
The fifth priority concentrates on improving prevention, preparedness, and swift response during crises. The Commission intends to produce guidance on identifying trafficking risks in emergencies, building on the shared anti-trafficking plan adopted in 2022 for those fleeing Ukraine. The sixth priority focuses on enhancing support and protection for vulnerable individuals and victims, ensuring their rights are upheld throughout investigations and legal proceedings.
The European Parliament and the Council will now review the strategy. Implementation will involve cooperation between the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and national counterparts. The Commission underlined that the six pillars aim to establish a coordinated, resilient approach to a cross-border crime. While the strategy provides overarching guidance, Member States retain responsibility for victim identification and prosecution under their national laws. The plan will steer EU efforts in the fight against trafficking in the upcoming years.