BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has introduced a six-prong strategy aimed at combating trafficking in human beings, as the number of registered victims continues to climb across the bloc. On Friday, October 16, the European Commission unveiled this new plan, just two days prior to EU Anti-Trafficking Day. In 2023 and 2024, over 20,000 victims were officially recorded, representing a 16.1% increase. Authorities emphasized that many cases go unreported and remain concealed.
According to the Commission, traffickers persist in targeting individuals in vulnerable circumstances. Women and girls constitute 63% of the registered victims, predominantly exploited for sexual purposes. Children account for 15%, while men make up 74% of victims trafficked for labor exploitation. The crime also involves forced criminal activity, begging, and marriage. The Commission highlighted the necessity for the EU to enhance its response to match the rising number of cases.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, stated that the strategy aims to hold traffickers accountable and dismantle their networks. He assured that victims will be protected and emphasized that people should not be bought or sold. This initiative replaces the EU 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 offences.
Technology and corporate collaboration drive the initiative
The first pillar focuses on leveraging modern technology to prevent trafficking at its earliest stages. As traffickers increasingly utilize online platforms for recruitment, advertising, and controlling victims, the European Commission seeks cooperation from online services, banks, and payment providers to identify suspicious activities. The second pillar emphasizes strengthening partnerships with the private sector. A forthcoming European coalition of companies against trafficking will aim to reduce exploitation risks and enhance early case detection.
Disrupting transnational criminal networks constitutes the third pillar. Police efforts will depend on international crime cooperation, investigations based on intelligence, financial asset tracing, and the recovery of illicit funds. The expansion of joint investigation teams supported by Europol and Eurojust is also planned. The fourth pillar addresses exploitation related to migration by bolstering screening, border and asylum procedures, and safety protocols in reception centers. The goal is to identify victims earlier along migration routes into the EU.
Legislative review and collaborative efforts underway
The fifth pillar aims to enhance prevention, preparedness, and rapid response during emergencies. The European Commission will develop guidelines for detecting trafficking risks in future crises. The sixth pillar concentrates on safeguarding vulnerable individuals. It emphasizes victims’ rights during investigations and trials, cooperation with partner nations and international organizations, and bolstering support services for victims.
The European Parliament and the Council are now set to review and approve the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will coordinate with national counterparts to implement the measures. The Commission described the six pillars as a comprehensive, future-ready response to this serious crime. The plan was announced ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day, observed annually on October 18, with national authorities leading enforcement efforts on the ground.