More than 20,000 people were recorded as victims of human trafficking in the European Union in 2023 and 2024, a rise of 16.1%, and many more cases are believed to remain undetected. Against this backdrop, the European Commission presented a new strategy on 16 October 2026 to tackle the networks behind the trade.
Who traffickers are targeting
Traffickers continue to target the most vulnerable. Women and girls accounted for 63% of recorded victims in 2023 and 2024, mainly for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Children made up 15% of those recorded, while men were predominantly trafficked for labour exploitation (74%).
The many forms of trafficking
Human trafficking is not limited to one type of crime. It includes sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, forcing people into criminal activities or begging, and forced marriage.
Technology and the private sector
The strategy sets out six priorities. The first is making better use of technology to prevent and detect human trafficking.
The second calls for closer cooperation with businesses and labour inspectors, and greater private-sector involvement, to reduce the risk of exploitation and identify cases early.
Organised crime and migration
The Commission also plans to step up action against organised crime and dismantle cross-border trafficking networks.
A further priority addresses the risks of exploitation linked to migration, with the aim of preventing it.
Crisis response and protection
The strategy seeks to strengthen prevention, preparedness and rapid response in times of crisis.
Its final priority is improving support and protection for victims and for people vulnerable to human trafficking.
A coordinated response
The Commission said the strategy aims to ensure a coordinated and flexible response, also ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day on 18 October.
Source: CNA
