BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat human trafficking within the EU. This initiative was announced just ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. According to recent data, over 20,000 victims were recorded in 2023 and 2024, reflecting a 16.1% increase. The Commission highlighted that many cases remain unnoticed, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach. The strategy outlines six key priorities aimed at tackling the crime effectively.
Trafficking across the EU manifests in various forms, such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, coercive criminal activities, begging, and forced marriages. Women and girls represented 63% of the victims registered, primarily for sexual exploitation. Children made up 15% of the total. Meanwhile, 74% of trafficking victims are men, most often trafficked for labor purposes. The European Commission pointed out that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations, urging the bloc to adapt its strategies to rising case numbers.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that traffickers will be held accountable, their networks dismantled, and victims offered protection. He emphasized that no one should be for sale. This new initiative builds upon the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and also extends the scope of the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States were required to incorporate into national law by July 15, 2026. The directive expanded the definition of trafficking offences.
Six strategic priorities focus on technology and criminal networks
The first priority emphasizes enhancing the use of technology to prevent, detect, and investigate trafficking activities. As much of the recruitment, advertising, and victim control now occur online, leveraging digital tools is crucial. The second priority advocates for closer collaboration with companies and labor inspectors to minimize exploitation risks and improve early detection. The Commission also intends to establish a European business coalition against trafficking. Labour inspectors will work more closely through the European Labour Authority to strengthen enforcement.
The third priority aims at combating transnational trafficking linked to organised crime. This involves cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery efforts. Member States are encouraged to form additional joint investigation teams supported by Europol and Eurojust, both of which already assist national investigators with cross-border cases. Addressing risks associated with migration is the fourth priority, emphasizing improved screening, border procedures, and safeguards for arrivals in the EU.
Crisis management and victim safeguarding strategies
The fifth priority concentrates on bolstering prevention, preparedness, and swift response mechanisms in emergencies. The Commission plans to develop guidance to identify trafficking risks during crises, building on the anti-trafficking plan adopted in 2022 for individuals fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The sixth priority involves enhancing support and protection services for at-risk groups and victims, ensuring their rights are upheld during investigations and legal proceedings.
The strategy will now be reviewed and discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to ensure effective implementation. The Commission described these six pillars as a coordinated, forward-looking approach to a border-crossing crime. While Member States are responsible for victim identification and prosecution under their national laws, this strategy will shape EU efforts in combating trafficking in the years ahead.