BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – As the number of victims recorded within the European Union continues to grow, Brussels has unveiled a comprehensive six-pillar approach aimed at combating human trafficking. The European Commission introduced this new policy on Friday, October 16, just two days before EU Anti-Trafficking Day. In 2023 and 2024, over 20,000 victims were officially documented across the bloc, reflecting a rise of 16.1%. Officials emphasized that numerous cases still go unreported or unnoticed.
The European Commission highlights that traffickers persistently target vulnerable populations. Among the registered victims, women and girls constitute 63%, primarily exploited for sexual purposes, while children account for 15%. Men represent 74% of those trafficked for forced labor. Other forms of trafficking include coercion into criminal activity, forced begging, and arranged marriages. The Commission indicated that the European Union must adapt its strategies to address the increasing number of cases effectively.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner responsible for Internal Affairs and Migration, stated that the new plan aims to hold traffickers accountable and dismantle their networks. He emphasized that victims will be safeguarded and reinforced the message that no person should be for sale. This initiative replaces the previous EU strategy covering 2021 to 2025 and complements the updated Anti-Trafficking Directive, which member states must incorporate into national law by July 15, 2026. The revised directive now includes forced marriage and illegal adoption as trafficking-related offenses.
Technology-driven solutions and private sector partnerships form the core of the strategy
The first pillar emphasizes leveraging modern technology to prevent trafficking at early stages. Since criminals increasingly utilize online platforms for recruiting, advertising, and controlling victims, the European Commission seeks cooperation from online services, banks, and payment providers to detect suspicious activities. The second pillar emphasizes strengthening collaboration with the private sector. A proposed European coalition of companies against trafficking aims to reduce exploitation risks and enhance the early identification of cases.
Disrupting transnational criminal networks is the focus of the third pillar. Authorities will rely on international crime cooperation, investigations driven by intelligence, financial tracing, and asset recovery. The scope of joint investigation teams supported by Europol and Eurojust is expected to expand. The fourth pillar targets exploitation related to migration, by enhancing screening processes, border and asylum procedures, and improving safeguards within reception centers. The goal is to detect victims earlier during migration journeys into the EU.
Strategy to be assessed by European Parliament and Council
Enhancing prevention, preparedness, and rapid response during crises is the focus of the fifth pillar. The European Commission will develop guidance on identifying trafficking risks during future emergencies. The sixth pillar concentrates on bolstering the protection of vulnerable individuals. It emphasizes safeguarding victims’ rights during investigations and legal proceedings, along with promoting cooperation with partner countries and international bodies. Support services for victims will be reinforced under this pillar as well.
The European Parliament and the Council are now tasked with reviewing the strategy. To implement the proposed measures effectively, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will collaborate with national anti-trafficking officials. The Commission described the six pillars as a coordinated, forward-looking response designed to combat the crime. The strategy was introduced ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day, observed annually on October 18. Responsibility for execution on the ground will rest with national authorities.