BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive new approach to fight human trafficking within the European Union. This announcement precedes EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. Authorities reported over 20,000 victims in 2023 and 2024, marking an increase of 16.1%. Despite efforts, the Commission highlighted that many cases remain unnoticed. The strategy outlines six key priorities aimed at a unified and effective response to this crime.
Trafficking in the EU manifests in various forms, such as sexual abuse, forced labor, coercion into criminal activities, begging, and forced marriage. Women and girls constitute 63% of the victims registered, primarily for sexual exploitation. Children account for 15% of the total cases. 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.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, stated that traffickers will be held accountable, their networks dismantled, and victims safeguarded. He underlined that individuals should not be commodities for sale. This new initiative builds upon the EU strategy for 2021-2025 and the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States must incorporate into national legislation by July 15, 2026. The directive broadens the scope of trafficking-related offenses.
Six strategic priorities address technological tools and criminal organizations
The primary focus is on improving technology use to prevent, detect, and investigate trafficking activities. Since online platforms now dominate recruitment, advertising, and victim control, this area is critical. The second priority emphasizes collaboration with businesses and labor inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and facilitate early intervention. To support this, a European business coalition against trafficking is planned. Additionally, labor inspectors will work more closely via the European Labour Authority.
The third priority concentrates on combatting transnational trafficking connected to organised crime. Success in this area depends on cross-border cooperation, intelligence-driven policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery efforts. Member States are encouraged to establish more joint investigation teams, with support from Europol and Eurojust. Both agencies already assist national investigators in cross-border operations. The fourth priority tackles risks related to migration. It calls for enhanced border controls, screening procedures, and safeguards in reception conditions for new arrivals in the EU.
Crisis response readiness and victim support as integral components
The fifth priority centers on boosting prevention, preparedness, and quick response measures during emergencies. The Commission plans to issue guidance to identify trafficking risks during future crises, building on the 2022 anti-trafficking plan designed for those fleeing the Ukraine conflict. The sixth priority focuses on providing stronger support and protection for vulnerable groups and victims, including ensuring their rights are upheld during investigations and criminal trials.
The European Parliament and the Council will now review and debate the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to facilitate its implementation. The Commission noted that these six pillars represent a coordinated, forward-looking approach to addressing a crime that frequently transcends borders. Member States retain the responsibility for victim identification and offender prosecution under national law. This strategy aims to steer EU efforts against trafficking in the upcoming years.