BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – European Commission unveiled a comprehensive new approach on October 16 aimed at tackling human trafficking across the European Union. This initiative is announced just prior to EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18. Official figures show that over 20,000 victims were registered in 2023 and 2024, representing a 16.1% increase. The Commission highlighted that many instances remain undetected, and the strategy emphasizes six key areas to coordinate an effective response to this crime.
Across the EU, trafficking manifests in various forms such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, coercion into criminal activities, begging, and forced marriages. Women and girls constitute 63% of recorded victims, predominantly for sexual exploitation, while children account for 15% of the total. Men represent 74% of individuals 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 in response to the rising number of cases.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, stated that traffickers will face accountability, their networks will be dismantled, and victims will be safeguarded. He reiterated that people should not be treated as commodities. This new plan builds upon the EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and reinforces the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive, which Member States are required to transpose into national law by July 15, 2026. The directive expands the scope of trafficking-related offenses.
Six strategic areas focus on leveraging technology and disrupting organized crime
The initial priority emphasizes enhancing technology use to prevent, identify, and investigate trafficking activities. As much of the recruitment, victim advertising, and control now occurs online, improving digital tools is critical. The second priority promotes closer collaboration with businesses and labor inspectors to lower exploitation risks and enable early intervention. The Commission aims to establish a European business coalition against trafficking, with labor inspectors working more closely through the European Labour Authority.
The third priority targets transnational trafficking linked to organised crime. This involves cross-border cooperation, intelligence-driven policing, financial investigations, and asset recovery. Member States are encouraged to establish additional joint investigation teams with assistance from Europol and Eurojust, both of which already support national investigators on cross-border cases. The fourth priority addresses migration-related risks, calling for improved screening procedures, border controls, and protective measures at reception points for newcomers in the EU.
Preparedness and victim support are central to the comprehensive plan
The fifth priority concentrates on strengthening prevention, readiness, and swift response mechanisms in crisis situations. The Commission plans to develop guidance on identifying trafficking hazards during emergencies, expanding on the joint anti-trafficking strategy adopted in 2022 for individuals fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The sixth priority emphasizes bolstering support and safeguarding measures for at-risk populations and victims, ensuring their rights are protected during investigations and legal proceedings.
Discussions will now take place between the European Parliament and the Council regarding the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to oversee its implementation. The Commission stressed that these six pillars offer a unified, forward-looking approach to combatting a crime that frequently involves crossing borders. While Member States retain the responsibility to identify victims and prosecute offenders under their respective laws, this strategy will serve as a guiding framework for EU-wide efforts in the coming years.