BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – European Commission announced a fresh plan on October 16 to fight human trafficking within the European Union. This initiative precedes EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, over 20,000 victims were recorded by national authorities, marking a 16.1% increase. The Commission highlighted that many cases still go unnoticed. The new strategy outlines six key priorities for a unified response to this crime.
Trafficking across the EU manifests in various forms, such as sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminal coercion, begging, and forced marriages. Women and girls make up 63% of the identified victims, mostly for sexual exploitation. Children represent 15% of all victims. Men account for 74% of those trafficked for labour exploitation. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations. It also stressed that the EU must adapt its strategies to address the increasing number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that traffickers will be held responsible. Their networks will be dismantled, and victims will be protected. He reaffirmed that people should not be for sale. The new plan extends the EU strategy from 2021 to 2025. It also builds upon the updated Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to implement into national law by July 15, 2026. This directive broadens the scope of trafficking offences.
Six strategic priorities focus on technology and organized crime networks
The first priority emphasizes improved use of technology to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking. Most recruitment, advertising, and victim control now happen online. The second priority advocates closer collaboration with businesses and labour inspectors. The goal is to reduce exploitation risks and improve early detection. The Commission is planning a European business coalition against trafficking. Labour inspectors will work more closely through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority addresses transnational trafficking associated with organised crime. It depends on cross-border cooperation, intelligence-driven policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery. Member States are encouraged to establish more joint investigation teams, with support from Europol and Eurojust. Both agencies already assist national investigators in cross-border cases. The fourth priority tackles migration-related risks. It calls for enhanced screening, border procedures, and safety measures at reception centres for new arrivals in the EU.
Building resilience through crisis preparedness and victim support
The fifth priority aims to improve prevention efforts, preparedness, and quick responses during crises. The Commission will develop guidance to identify trafficking risks during emergencies. It will build on the joint anti-trafficking plan adopted in 2022 for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The sixth priority focuses on strengthening support and protection for vulnerable groups and victims. It includes safeguarding their rights during investigations and legal proceedings.
The European Parliament and the Council will now review the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will work alongside national coordinators to implement it. The Commission explained that these six pillars form a coordinated and adaptable approach to a cross-border crime. Member States remain responsible for victim identification and prosecuting offenders under their national laws. The strategy will steer EU efforts against trafficking in the years ahead.