BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive new strategy to address human trafficking within the European Union. This initiative is announced just before EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. Data indicates that authorities recorded more than 20,000 victims in 2023 and 2024, reflecting a 16.1% increase. The Commission highlighted that many instances of trafficking still go unnoticed. The new plan delineates six key priorities aimed at a unified response to this persistent crime.
Trafficking activities in the EU encompass various forms such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, criminal coercion, begging, and forced marriages. Women and girls constitute 63% of reported victims, primarily for sexual exploitation, while children account for 15%. Men represent 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 strategies to the increasing number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner assured that traffickers would be held accountable, their networks dismantled, and victims protected. He reaffirmed that no person should be bought and sold. This new strategy builds upon the existing EU plan covering 2021 to 2025 and the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to implement into national law by July 15, 2026. The directive expanded the scope of trafficking offences.
Six core objectives focus on technology and criminal networks
The initial priority emphasizes enhanced utilization of technology to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking. Recognizing that much of the 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 enable early detection. The Commission is also establishing a European business coalition against trafficking, with increased cooperation expected through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority targets cross-border trafficking associated with organised crime. Its approach relies on international cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery efforts. Member States are encouraged to form more joint investigation teams supported by Europol and Eurojust, which already assist investigators in transnational cases. The fourth priority addresses migration-related risks, advocating for improved border controls, screening procedures, and safeguards in reception conditions for new arrivals in the EU.
Emergency readiness and victim support form key elements of the strategy
The fifth priority concentrates on strengthening prevention, preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms during crises. The Commission intends to issue guidance for identifying trafficking risks in future emergencies, building upon the 2022 anti-trafficking plan for those fleeing Ukraine. The sixth priority emphasizes bolstering support and protections for at-risk groups and victims, ensuring their rights are upheld throughout investigations and legal proceedings.
The European Parliament and Council will now evaluate the proposed strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national counterparts to oversee its implementation. The Commission stated that the six pillars provide a coordinated, resilient approach to combat a cross-border crime. While Member States are responsible for victim identification and prosecution under their own laws, the strategy is intended to steer EU-wide efforts in the coming years.