BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission introduced a fresh plan to fight human trafficking within the European Union. This initiative is unveiled just before EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, national authorities identified over 20,000 victims, marking an increase of 16.1%. The Commission emphasized that numerous cases remain undetected. The strategy outlines six key priorities aimed at a unified response to this crime.
Trafficking activities in the EU encompass various forms, such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, criminal coercion, begging, and forced marriage. Women and girls represented 63% of registered victims, primarily for sexual exploitation. Children accounted for 15% of the total victims. Men constituted 74% of victims trafficked for labor exploitation. The Commission noted that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations, and the EU must adapt its strategies to address the rising number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner assured that traffickers will be held accountable, criminal networks dismantled, and victims protected. He reaffirmed that individuals should not be commodified. This new initiative builds on the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and enhances the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to incorporate into their national laws by July 15, 2026. The directive expanded the scope of trafficking-related offenses.
Six priorities focus on technology and criminal networks
The primary priority emphasizes leveraging technology more effectively to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking activities. As much of the recruitment, advertising, and victim control now happen online, this focus aims to tackle digital avenues of exploitation. The second priority promotes closer collaboration with businesses and labor inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and facilitate early detection. The Commission is working on a European business coalition against trafficking, while labor inspectors will coordinate more intensively through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority targets organized crime engaged in transnational trafficking, relying on organised crime. It calls for enhanced cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations, and asset seizures. Member States are encouraged to establish additional joint investigation teams supported by Europol and Eurojust. Both agencies currently assist national investigators in cases involving multiple jurisdictions. The fourth priority addresses migration-related risks, emphasizing improved screening, border procedures, and safeguards in reception centers for new arrivals in the EU, as detailed in migration.
Addressing crisis readiness and victim support as comprehensive objectives
The fifth priority aims to bolster prevention, preparedness, and swift responses during emergencies. The Commission will issue guidance on identifying trafficking risks in future crises, building on the 2022 anti-trafficking plan adopted for those fleeing the Ukraine conflict. The sixth priority seeks to enhance support and protection measures for at-risk individuals and victims, ensuring their rights are upheld during investigations and legal proceedings.
Now, the European Parliament and the Council will review and debate this strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will coordinate with national officials to implement the plan. The Commission stressed that the six pillars offer a coordinated and resilient approach to a crime that frequently crosses borders. While Member States retain responsibility for victim identification and prosecution under their own laws, this strategy will serve as a guide for EU-wide efforts over the coming years.