The key facts

  • The EC presented a six-priority strategy to combat human trafficking
  • More than 20,000 victims were registered in the EU in 2023–2024, an increase of 16.1%
  • 63% of victims are women and girls, 15% are children

New European Commission strategy

On Friday, the European Commission presented a new strategy to combat human trafficking, identifying six priority areas. Among them are the use of modern technologies, cooperation with the private sector, countering organised crime and strengthening partnerships with countries outside the EU. The document will be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

Victim statistics

According to the Commission, in 2023 and 2024 more than 20,000 victims of human trafficking were registered in the EU, which is 16.1% more than previously. Women and girls accounted for 63% of registered victims, most of them victims of sexual exploitation; children accounted for 15% of the total. Among victims of labour exploitation, 74% are men.

Six priorities

The first priority is the application of modern technologies to improve the prevention, detection and investigation of human trafficking. The second is strengthening cooperation with the private sector to reduce exploitation risks and enable early detection. The third is countering transnational networks linked to organised crime through cross-border cooperation, intelligence-led policing, financial investigations and asset recovery. The EC called on member states to expand operational cooperation through joint investigation teams with the support of Europol and Eurojust.

Migration, crises and protection of the vulnerable

The fourth priority concerns human trafficking risks related to migration: strengthening screening procedures, border processes and protection measures in reception conditions. The fifth is aimed at improving preparedness and rapid response in crisis situations, and the sixth at strengthening the protection of people vulnerable to human trafficking.