BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission announced a comprehensive new plan on October 16 aimed at fighting human trafficking across the European Union. This initiative precedes EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, national authorities documented more than 20,000 victims, reflecting a 16.1% increase. The Commission highlighted that many cases still go unnoticed. The strategy outlines six key priorities to foster a unified 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 make up 63% of the registered victims, primarily for sexual exploitation. Children account for 15% of all cases. Meanwhile, men constitute 74% of victims trafficked for labor exploitation. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations and stressed the need for the EU to adapt its measures to the increasing number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that traffickers will be held responsible, their networks dismantled, and victims safeguarded. He emphasized that individuals should not be commodities for sale. This new initiative extends the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and builds upon the amended Anti-Trafficking Directive, which member states are required to incorporate into national legislation by July 15, 2026. The directive expanded the scope of trafficking offenses.
Six Strategic Pillars Focus on Technology and Criminal Networks
The initial priority emphasizes enhancing technological tools to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking activities. As much of the recruitment, advertisement, and victim management now occurs online, this focus aims to strengthen digital surveillance. The second priority advocates for closer collaboration with businesses and labor inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and facilitate early detection. The Commission intends to establish a European business coalition against trafficking, with labor inspectors cooperating more closely via the European Labour Authority.
The third priority targets cross-border trafficking related to organised crime. It depends on international cooperation, intelligence-driven policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery. Member states are encouraged to establish additional joint investigation teams, supported by Europol and Eurojust. Both agencies already assist national investigators in transnational cases. The fourth priority addresses migration-related risks, calling for enhanced screening, border procedures, and safeguards in reception facilities for new arrivals in the EU, as outlined in migration.
Preparedness and Victim Support as Pillars of a Holistic Approach
The fifth priority aims to bolster prevention, preparedness, and swift reaction during crises. The Commission plans to develop guidance on identifying trafficking risks during future emergencies, building on the 2022 anti-trafficking plan for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The sixth priority focuses on expanding support and protection for vulnerable groups and victims, ensuring their rights are upheld during investigations and legal proceedings.
Following this, the European Parliament and the Council will review and discuss the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to implement the plan. The Commission stressed that these six pillars represent a coordinated, resilient approach to a crime that often transcends borders. Member states remain responsible for victim identification and legal prosecution under their national laws. Ultimately, this strategy aims to steer EU efforts in combating trafficking over the coming years.