BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – A new initiative was unveiled on October 16 by the European Commission aimed at tackling human trafficking across the EU. This announcement coincided with EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. Data shows that over 20,000 victims were recorded in 2023 and 2024, reflecting an increase of 16.1%. The Commission highlighted that many cases remain undetected. The proposed strategy outlines six key priorities designed to foster a unified response to this persistent crime.
Trafficking within the EU manifests in various forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, coerced criminal activity, begging, and forced marriages. Women and girls constitute 63% of the registered victims, predominantly subjected to sexual exploitation. Children account for 15% of the total. Meanwhile, men represent 74% of victims trafficked for labour exploitation. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations and stressed the need for the EU to adapt its approach to address the increasing number of cases.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, assured that traffickers will face accountability, their networks will be dismantled, and victims will be safeguarded. He reaffirmed that individuals should not be commodified. This new strategy builds upon the EU’s previous framework covering 2021 to 2025 and also expands on the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to incorporate into national law by July 15, 2026. The directive broadens the scope of trafficking-related offences.
Six strategic priorities focus on technology and criminal networks
The initial priority emphasizes enhancing technology utilization to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking activities, especially as much recruitment, advertising, and victim control now occur online. The second priority promotes closer collaboration with businesses and labour inspectors to minimize exploitation risks and enable earlier detection. A European business coalition against trafficking is also in planning, with labour inspectors expected to work more closely through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority addresses transnational trafficking associated with organised crime, requiring 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 with cross-border cases. The fourth priority targets migration-related risks, advocating for enhanced screening, border control procedures, and safeguards in reception centers for new arrivals in the EU.
Preparedness and victim protection are integral to the comprehensive plan
The fifth priority concentrates on strengthening prevention, emergency preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms for crises. The Commission will issue guidance for identifying trafficking risks during future emergencies, building on the 2022 anti-trafficking plan for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The sixth priority aims to bolster support and protection for at-risk populations and victims, ensuring their rights are upheld during investigations and court proceedings.
Now, discussions are underway between the European Parliament and the Council regarding the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to implement the plan. The Commission emphasized that the six pillars provide a coordinated, forward-looking approach to a crime that frequently spans borders. Member States retain responsibility for victim identification and offender prosecution under national law. This strategy is intended to direct EU efforts against trafficking in the years ahead.