BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission introduced a fresh approach to fight human trafficking within the European Union. This announcement coincides with EU Anti-Trafficking Day observed on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, authorities recorded over 20,000 victims, reflecting a 16.1% increase. The Commission highlighted that numerous cases remain undetected. The new strategy outlines six key areas for a unified response to this persistent crime.
Trafficking activities in the EU encompass various forms, including sexual and labour exploitation, forced criminal activities, begging, and forced marriage. Women and girls make up 63% of the documented victims, primarily for sexual exploitation, while children account for 15%. Men represent 74% of victims trafficked for labour exploitation. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations and that the EU must adapt its strategies to address the rising number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that traffickers will face accountability, their networks will be dismantled, and victims will receive protection. He reaffirmed that no person should be bought or sold. This new initiative builds upon the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and enhances the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to incorporate into their national laws by July 15, 2026. The directive expanded the scope of trafficking offences.
Six strategic priorities emphasize technology and transnational crime cooperation
The primary focus is on leveraging technology to prevent, uncover, and investigate trafficking. Since much of the recruitment, advertising, and victim management now occur online, this is a crucial area. The second priority emphasizes collaboration with businesses and labour inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and enhance early detection. The European Commission also plans to establish a business coalition against trafficking across Europe. Labour inspectors are expected to strengthen their cooperation via the European Labour Authority.
The third priority targets transnational trafficking associated with organised crime. Achieving this depends on cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery efforts. Member States are encouraged to establish more joint investigation teams supported by Europol and Eurojust, which already assist national investigators in cross-border cases. The fourth priority addresses migration-related risks, advocating for enhanced screening, border procedures, and safeguards in reception conditions for newcomers to the EU.
Strategies for crisis management and victim support form the final pillars
The fifth priority aims at strengthening prevention, preparedness, and swift response mechanisms in emergency situations. The Commission will develop guidelines for recognizing trafficking risks during future crises, building on the 2022 anti-trafficking plan designed for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The sixth priority focuses on bolstering assistance and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals and victims, especially during investigations and criminal proceedings.
The European Parliament and the Council are now set to review the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to facilitate its implementation. The Commission underlined that these six pillars provide a cohesive and adaptable framework to address a transnational crime. Nonetheless, Member States retain responsibility for victim identification and prosecution under their national legislation. The strategy is intended to shape the EU’s efforts against trafficking in the upcoming years.