Type: Acts of the European Union: Report on the progress made in the European Union in combating trafficking in human beings

Authority: European Authorities - Council of Europe (European Commission)

Date: 01/20/2025

Subject: The EU Strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings constitutes a robust framework with concrete actions, which have been implemented or are ongoing. The amended Anti-Trafficking Directive further strengthens the legal response to the crime, by introducing new forms of exploitation, stricter penalties, stronger rules to fight trafficking in human beings, including online, as well as reinforced provisions on the assistance and protection of victims. Furthermore, during the reporting period, the legal framework has also been substantially strengthened by numerous other new EU laws and instruments. At national level, Member States have taken measures to coordinate and intensify anti-trafficking measures, including through new or updated National Action Plans and Strategies, which contribute to the comprehensive approach to combatting the crime. Despite progress in the legal, policy and operational framework, the number of registered victims of trafficking has increased and some of the known challenges persist, while new challenges emerge, including new forms of exploitation. New EU Strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings will contribute to addressing emerging challenges beyond 2025. This new Strategy will be the counterpart at EU level of the National anti-trafficking Plans that Member States have to adopt by 15 July 2028 in line with the amended Directive. The EU Strategy will help to steer the priorities from prevention to conviction with a victim-centred approach, across the EU, with non-EU partners and at global level in a coherent manner

Classification: Dignity - Art. 5 Trafficking in human beings

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