BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – Amid ongoing concerns about human trafficking, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive strategy on October 16 aimed at addressing trafficking in human beings within the EU. This announcement coincides with EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. Official figures indicate that over 20,000 victims were recorded in 2023 and 2024, marking a 16.1% increase. The Commission highlighted that many cases remain unreported or undetected. The new strategy outlines six key priorities designed to foster a unified response to this persistent crime.
Trafficking activities in the EU manifest in various forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminal coercion, begging, and forced marriages. Women and girls constitute 63% of all registered victims, mainly due to sexual exploitation. Children account for 15% of the total victims. Meanwhile, men represent 74% of those trafficked for labour exploitation. The Commission emphasized that traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations and stressed the need for the EU to evolve its strategies to counter the increasing number of cases.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that traffickers will be held accountable, their networks dismantled, and victims safeguarded. He reiterated that no person should be considered for sale. 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 offences.
Six strategic priorities focus on technology and transnational crime networks
The initial priority emphasizes leveraging technology to improve prevention, detection, and investigation efforts. Given that much of the recruitment, advertising, and victim control now occurs online, this focus aims to exploit digital tools effectively. The second priority seeks to strengthen cooperation with businesses and labour inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and enhance early warning systems. The Commission plans to establish a European business coalition against trafficking, with labour inspectors expected to collaborate more closely through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority targets organised crime associated with transnational trafficking. This involves cross-border collaboration, intelligence-led 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 cross-border operations. The fourth priority addresses the dangers linked to migration, advocating for more robust screening, border procedures, and reception safeguards for new arrivals in the EU.
Focus on crisis readiness and victim support as integral components
The fifth priority centers on enhancing prevention, preparedness, and swift responses during emergencies. The Commission intends to develop guidelines for identifying trafficking risks in future crises, building upon the joint anti-trafficking plan established in 2022 for individuals fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The sixth priority concentrates on expanding support services and protections for at-risk populations and victims, ensuring their rights are upheld during investigations and legal proceedings.
The European Parliament and the Council are now set to review and debate the proposed strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators on its implementation. The Commission underlined that these six pillars offer a coordinated, forward-looking approach to combat a crime that frequently transcends borders. While the strategy provides guidance, Member States remain responsible for victim identification and offender prosecution under their own laws. This initiative aims to direct EU efforts over the coming years to curb trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.