BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at tackling human trafficking within the European Union. This initiative precedes EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, national authorities identified over 20,000 victims, marking an increase of 16.1%. The Commission highlighted that many instances of trafficking remain undetected. The newly proposed plan outlines six key priorities to ensure a unified and effective response to this persistent crime.
Trafficking in the EU manifests in various forms, including sexual and labor exploitation, forced criminal activities, begging, and forced marriages. Women and girls constitute 63% of registered victims, predominantly for sexual exploitation. Children represent 15% of all cases. Men account for 74% of victims trafficked for labor purposes. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations and stressed the need for the EU to adapt its strategies to 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 be safeguarded. He reiterated that individuals should not be for sale. This new initiative builds on the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and incorporates the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to transpose into their national laws by July 15, 2026. The directive expands the scope of trafficking-related offenses.
Six strategic priorities focus on technology and criminal networks
The primary priority emphasizes leveraging technology to enhance prevention, detection, and investigation of trafficking. As most recruitment, advertising, and victim control now occur online, the strategy aims to strengthen digital measures. The second priority advocates for increased collaboration with businesses and labor inspectors to minimize exploitation risks and facilitate early intervention. The Commission also intends to establish a European business coalition against trafficking, with labor inspectors expected to coordinate more closely via the European Labour Authority.
Addressing transnational trafficking related to organised crime is the third priority. It relies heavily on cross-border cooperation, intelligence-driven policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery. Member States are encouraged to form additional joint investigation teams with support from Europol and Eurojust, which already assist national investigators in handling cross-border cases. The fourth priority concentrates on migration-related risks, advocating for enhanced screening, border procedures, and reception safeguards for new arrivals in the EU.
Preparedness and victim support as integral components
The fifth priority aims to bolster prevention efforts, crisis preparedness, and rapid response capabilities. The Commission will develop guidance for identifying trafficking risks during emergencies, building upon the shared anti-trafficking plan adopted in 2022 for those fleeing Ukraine’s conflict. The sixth priority is dedicated to reinforcing assistance and safeguarding for at-risk groups and victims, emphasizing their rights during investigations and legal proceedings.
The European Parliament and the Council will now review the strategy, with the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator collaborating with national coordinators to facilitate its execution. The Commission underscored that the six pillars offer a coordinated, forward-looking approach to a border-crossing crime. While Member States retain responsibility for victim identification and prosecution under their national laws, this strategy provides a unified framework for EU efforts in combating trafficking over the coming years.