BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – To combat the rising number of human trafficking victims in the European Union, Brussels has introduced a comprehensive six-pillar plan. The European Commission unveiled this new approach on Friday, October 16, just two days before EU Anti-Trafficking Day. In 2023 and 2024, over 20,000 victims were officially recorded within the bloc, reflecting a 16.1% increase. Officials acknowledge that many cases remain hidden.
The Commission highlights that traffickers continue to prey on vulnerable individuals. Women and girls constitute 63% of registered victims, most of whom are sexually exploited. Children represent 15%. Men account for 74% of those trafficked for labour purposes. Other criminal activities include forced criminality, forced begging, and forced marriage. The EU recognizes the need to update its response to keep up with the increasing number of cases.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, explained that the new strategy aims to hold traffickers responsible and dismantle their networks. He emphasized that victims will be safeguarded and stressed that people should not be for sale. This plan replaces the EU strategy for 2021 to 2025. It complements the updated Anti-Trafficking Directive, which national governments are required to incorporate into law by July 15, 2026. The directive now includes forced marriage and illegal adoption as trafficking offences.
Technology and business partnerships play key roles in the plan
The first pillar focuses on using modern technology to intervene early in trafficking. Criminals increasingly utilize online services for recruitment, advertising, and control of victims. The Commission urges online platforms, banks, and payment providers to help identify suspicious activity. The second pillar involves strengthening cooperation with the private sector. A proposed European coalition of businesses against trafficking will aim to reduce exploitation risks and improve early detection.
The third pillar concentrates on disrupting international crime networks. Police will rely on international crime cooperation, intelligence-led investigations, financial analysis, and recovering stolen assets. Europol and Eurojust will support expanding joint investigation teams. The fourth pillar addresses exploitation linked to migration. It enhances screening, border and asylum procedures, and strengthens safeguards at reception centers. The goal is to detect victims earlier during migration routes into the EU.
European Parliament and Council to evaluate the strategy
The fifth pillar aims to improve prevention, preparedness, and rapid response during crises. The Commission will prepare guidance on identifying trafficking risks in future emergencies. The sixth pillar emphasizes protecting vulnerable individuals. It focuses on victims’ rights during investigations and legal proceedings. It also includes cooperation with partner countries and international agencies. Support services for victims will be bolstered as part of this pillar.
The European Parliament and the Council will now review the strategy. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national anti-trafficking officials to implement the measures. The Commission described the six pillars as a coordinated, forward-looking response to trafficking. The plan was announced ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day, observed annually on October 18. Local authorities will be responsible for on-the-ground efforts.