BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive new plan aimed at tackling human trafficking across the EU. This announcement was made just before EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. Authorities recorded over 20,000 victims in 2023 and 2024, reflecting an increase of 16.1%. The Commission highlighted that many trafficking cases still go unnoticed. The strategy outlines six key priorities to ensure a unified and effective response to this crime.
Trafficking within the EU manifests in various forms, such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, coercion into criminal activities, begging, and forced marriage. Women and girls represent 63% of the registered victims, primarily for sexual exploitation. Children account for 15% of the total victims. Men constitute 74% of those trafficked for labor exploitation. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations, and it is crucial for the EU to adapt its strategies to address the increasing number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that traffickers will be held accountable. He also emphasized that their networks must be disrupted and victims protected. Brunner declared that people should not be for sale. This new initiative builds on the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025. Additionally, it complements 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-related offenses.
Six Strategic Priorities Focused on Technology and Organized Crime Networks
The first priority emphasizes enhancing technology use to prevent, detect, and investigate trafficking. A significant portion of recruitment, advertising, and victim control now occurs online. The second priority advocates for closer collaboration with businesses and labor inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and facilitate early detection. The Commission is planning to establish a European business coalition against trafficking. Labor inspectors are also expected to work more closely through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority concentrates on transnational trafficking connected to organised crime. It relies heavily on cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery efforts. Member States are encouraged to form additional joint investigation teams with support from Europol and Eurojust. Both agencies are already assisting national investigators in cross-border cases. The fourth priority addresses risks associated with migration. It calls for enhanced screening procedures, border controls, and safeguards in reception conditions for new arrivals in the EU.
Addressing Crisis Preparedness and Strengthening Victim Support is Central to the Strategy
The fifth priority aims to enhance prevention, preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms in the face of crises. The Commission will develop guidance on identifying trafficking risks during emergencies. This builds on the common anti-trafficking plan adopted in 2022 for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The sixth priority focuses on bolstering support and safeguarding the rights of at-risk populations and victims, especially during investigations and criminal proceedings.
The European Parliament and the Council will now review and debate the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to implement it effectively. The Commission noted that these six pillars offer a coordinated and forward-looking approach to a cross-border crime. Member States remain responsible for victim identification and prosecuting offenders under their national laws. The strategy aims to guide the EU’s efforts in fighting trafficking over the coming years.