BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, European Commission unveiled a comprehensive approach aimed at tackling human trafficking across the EU. This announcement coincides with EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, authorities recorded over 20,000 victims, reflecting an increase of 16.1%. The Commission acknowledged that many instances of trafficking remain undetected. The new strategy highlights six key priorities designed to foster a unified response to this persistent crime.
Trafficking activities within the EU encompass a variety of abuses, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, coercion into criminal activities, begging, and involuntary marriage. Women and girls account for 63% of identified victims, predominantly for sexual purposes, while children comprise 15% of the total. Men represent 74% of victims exploited for labour. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to prey on vulnerable populations and stressed the necessity for the EU to evolve its strategies in response to the increasing number of cases.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, assured that traffickers will face accountability, their networks dismantled, and victims safeguarded. He reiterated that no person should be bought or sold. This new initiative builds upon the EU strategy for 2021-2025 and the updated Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to incorporate into national law by July 15, 2026. The directive expanded the scope of criminal offences related to trafficking.
Six strategic priorities addressing technology and organized crime networks
The primary focus is on leveraging technology more effectively to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking activities. Since much of the recruitment, advertising, and victim management now occurs online, this is a critical area. The second priority promotes closer cooperation with businesses and labour inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and enhance early detection mechanisms. A European business coalition against trafficking is also planned, with labour inspectors expected to work more closely through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority centers on combating transnational trafficking connected to organised crime. It emphasizes cross-border collaboration, intelligence-led law enforcement, financial investigations, and recovery of assets. Member States are encouraged to establish additional joint investigation teams with the support of Europol and Eurojust, both of which currently assist national authorities with cross-border operations. The fourth priority addresses migration-related vulnerabilities, calling for enhanced screening, border procedures, and safeguards for asylum seekers arriving in the EU.
Preparedness, crisis response, and victim safeguarding
The fifth priority aims to bolster prevention efforts, preparedness, and swift response in emergency situations. The Commission intends to develop guidance for recognizing trafficking risks during crises, building on the joint anti-trafficking plan adopted in 2022 for refugees fleeing Ukraine. The sixth priority focuses on strengthening protections and support systems for at-risk individuals and victims, including safeguarding their rights during investigations and criminal proceedings.
Following this presentation, the European Parliament and the Council will review and discuss the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator is expected to collaborate with national coordinators to ensure proper implementation. The Commission highlighted that the six pillars collectively offer a coordinated, adaptable approach to a transnational crime. Member States retain the responsibility for victim identification and prosecution under their own legal frameworks. The strategy aims to steer EU efforts against trafficking in the years ahead.
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