BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission introduced an updated strategy aimed at tackling human trafficking throughout the European Union. The initiative is unveiled ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. Over 20,000 victims were officially recorded by national authorities in 2023 and 2024, reflecting a 16.1% increase. The European Commission emphasized that many cases still go unnoticed. This new strategy outlines six key priorities for a unified approach to addressing the crime.
Trafficking within the EU manifests in various forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, criminal coercion, begging, and forced marriage. Women and girls made up 63% of the documented victims, primarily for sexual exploitation. Children account for 15% of all cases. Men comprise 74% of victims exploited for labor. The European Commission pointed out that traffickers continue to prey on vulnerable populations and stressed the need for the bloc to adapt its response to the increasing number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner committed to holding traffickers accountable, dismantling their networks, and safeguarding victims. He stated, people should not be for sale. This new initiative builds upon the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and incorporates the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to transpose into national law by July 15, 2026. The directive expanded the scope of trafficking offences.
Six key priorities target technology and criminal networks
The first priority emphasizes enhancing technology use to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking activities. Since much of the recruitment, advertising, and victim control now occur online, this approach aims to strengthen digital efforts. The second priority advocates for closer collaboration with businesses and labour inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and facilitate early detection. The European Commission also plans to establish a European business coalition against trafficking, with labour inspectors working more closely through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority addresses transnational trafficking connected to organised crime. This requires cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery. Member States are encouraged to form additional joint investigation teams supported by Europol and Eurojust. Both agencies already assist national investigators in cross-border cases. The fourth priority focuses on risks associated with migration. It promotes stronger screening, border procedures, and safeguards in reception conditions for new arrivals in the EU.
Crisis readiness and victim support form a comprehensive strategy
The fifth priority aims to enhance prevention, preparedness, and swift response during crises. The European Commission will develop guidance to identify trafficking risks in future emergencies, building on the 2022 anti-trafficking plan designed for those fleeing the Ukraine conflict. The sixth priority concentrates on bolstering assistance and safeguarding rights for at-risk groups and victims, particularly during investigations and legal processes.
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 its measures. The Commission highlighted that the six pillars represent a coordinated, forward-looking approach to a cross-border crime. Member States remain responsible for victim identification and prosecution under their own legal systems. This strategy will serve as a framework guiding EU efforts to combat trafficking in the years ahead.