BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission has introduced a comprehensive six-pillar plan aimed at addressing the rising cases of human trafficking within the EU. The announcement was made on Friday, October 16, just two days before EU Anti-Trafficking Day. In 2023 and 2024, over 20,000 victims were officially registered across the bloc, reflecting a 16.1% increase. Authorities acknowledge that many cases remain unreported and hidden.
According to the European Commission, traffickers continue to target vulnerable populations. Data shows women and girls constitute 63% of registered victims, primarily exploited sexually, while children account for 15%. Men represent 74% of victims subjected to labour exploitation. Additional forms of trafficking include forced criminal activities, forced begging, and forced marriage. The Commission emphasizes the need for the EU to enhance its response strategies to keep up with the escalating number of cases.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, stated that the new strategy aims to hold traffickers accountable and dismantle their networks. He underscored that victims will receive protection and reaffirmed that people should not be for sale. This initiative replaces the EU’s strategy for 2021 to 2025 and complements the updated Anti-Trafficking Directive, which national governments were required to incorporate into law by July 15, 2026. The revised directive now includes forced marriage and illegal adoption as trafficking crimes.
Technology and corporate partnerships form the core of the initiative
The first pillar emphasizes leveraging modern technology to detect and prevent trafficking at an early stage. As traffickers increasingly utilize online platforms for recruitment, advertising, and victim control, the Commission calls on online service providers, financial institutions, and payment companies to assist in identifying suspicious activities. The second pillar involves strengthening cooperation with the private sector. A proposed European coalition of companies against trafficking will work to reduce exploitation risks and enhance early case detection.
Disrupting transnational organised crime networks is the focus of the third pillar. Law enforcement will rely on international crime cooperation, intelligence-led investigations, financial analysis, and the recovery of assets linked to trafficking. Europol and Eurojust-backed joint investigation teams are expected to expand their operations. The fourth pillar addresses exploitation related to migration, improving screening processes, border and asylum procedures, and protections within reception centres, all aimed at identifying victims earlier during their migration into the EU.
Parliament and Council to evaluate the strategy
The fifth pillar concentrates on prevention, preparedness, and rapid response during crises. The Commission intends to develop guidelines for identifying trafficking risks in future emergencies. The sixth pillar focuses on safeguarding the rights of trafficking victims, especially during investigations and court proceedings. It also emphasizes international cooperation, including partnership with other countries and organizations, and aims to enhance support services for victims.
The European Parliament and the Council are now set to review and scrutinize the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national coordinators to implement the proposed measures. The Commission described the six pillars as a coordinated, forward-looking approach to counter the crime. This plan was announced ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day, observed annually on October 18. On-the-ground efforts will be led by national authorities.