BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – On October 16, the European Commission introduced a new comprehensive strategy aimed at tackling human trafficking within the European Union. This initiative is timed ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. In 2023 and 2024, national authorities recorded over 20,000 victims, marking a 16.1% increase. The Commission emphasized that numerous cases remain unnoticed. The plan outlines six key priorities to enable a unified response to this crime.
Trafficking activities across the EU manifest in various forms, including sexual and labor exploitation, forced criminal activities, begging, and coerced marriages. Women and girls constitute 63% of the documented victims, primarily subjected to sexual exploitation. Children account for 15% of all cases. Meanwhile, men comprise 74% of victims trafficked for labor purposes. The Commission highlighted that traffickers continue to prey on vulnerable populations and stressed that the EU must evolve its strategies to address the rising number of incidents.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, assured that traffickers will face accountability, their networks dismantled, and victims safeguarded. He reiterated that individuals should not be bought and sold. This new initiative builds upon the EU strategy for 2021–2025 and incorporates 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 offences.
Six strategic priorities focus on technology and criminal networks
The primary priority emphasizes leveraging technology for prevention, detection, and investigation of trafficking activities. Given that much recruitment, advertising, and victim control now operate online, this focus aims to exploit digital tools. The second priority advocates for increased collaboration with businesses and labor inspectors to mitigate exploitation risks and facilitate early intervention. The Commission is planning to establish a European business coalition against trafficking, with labor inspectors expected to work more closely through the European Labour Authority.
Addressing transnational trafficking linked to organised crime forms the third key focus. It emphasizes cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery efforts. Member States are encouraged to form additional joint investigation teams with support from Europol and Eurojust, which already assist national investigators in cross-border cases. The fourth priority tackles migration-related risks by promoting stronger screening, border procedures, and safeguarding reception conditions for new arrivals in the EU.
Crisis readiness and victim support as core elements of strategy
The fifth priority aims to enhance prevention, preparedness, and swift response mechanisms during crises. The Commission intends to develop guidance to identify trafficking risks in future emergencies, building upon the anti-trafficking plan adopted in 2022 for people fleeing the Ukraine conflict. The sixth priority concentrates on bolstering support systems and safeguarding victims’ rights throughout investigations and criminal proceedings. It ensures their protection during legal processes.
The strategy will now be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to oversee its implementation. The Commission highlighted that these six pillars constitute a coordinated, forward-looking approach to a cross-border crime. Member States retain responsibility for victim identification and prosecution under their national laws. Ultimately, this strategy is designed to direct EU efforts against trafficking over the coming years.