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Stronger International Coordination Against Trafficking

The EU sees human trafficking as a transnational crime demanding a comprehensive response both within and beyond its borders. Cooperation with non‑EU countries, victim support, tackling digital threats, and synchronizing law enforcement are key pillars of this expanding strategy.

The EU’s 2021–2025 Strategy on Combatting Human Trafficking—revised in July 2024—introduced tougher criminal penalties, stronger investigative tools, and expanded victim support mechanisms. These reforms are coordinated by the EU Anti‑Trafficking Coordinator (ATC), ensuring alignment between national, regional, and international efforts.

Diverse National Approaches, Common Goals

An European Migration Network (EMN) review across 25 countries shows that anti-trafficking efforts are often embedded in broader migration, asylum, or organised-crime strategies rather than run as standalone programs. Many national initiatives focus on high-risk regions, specific third countries, or particular migrant groups.

Most EU countries work with international bodies like the International Organization for Migration and NGOs, supported by both national and EU funds, in delivering awareness‑raising, victim support, and prevention programs.

Victim Support & Prevention: Beyond Awareness

Thirteen EMN countries flagged effective prevention campaigns, many carried out in cooperation with origin countries of potential victims. Other notable measures include mentoring and training police, setting up dedicated investigative units, victim support networks, and deploying liaison officers in partner countries.

Operational Collaboration: EMPACT, Europol, Frontex

Operational EU agencies—Europol, Frontex, Eurojust—play a key role in anti‑trafficking efforts. Eleven EMN countries reported active involvement in initiatives coordinated by these agencies. Strategic operations are supported through EMPACT, the European multidisciplinary platform against criminal threats.

The European Commission also funds development projects in third countries, tackling justice issues, digital risks, and financial flows linked to trafficking. In November 2023, the Commission proposed new legislation to combat facilitation of illegal entry and enhance EU-wide police coordination, both still under negotiation.

Geographic Focus & International Partnerships

Nine EMN countries (plus Serbia and Georgia) have formal partnerships with third nations, while others rely on ad hoc cooperation. Key regions targeted for support include the Sahel, Horn of Africa, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Western Balkans—areas known as trafficking routes or outlying source zones.

The EU acts as a broker, facilitating dialogue, institutional reform, and local anti‑trafficking programs through neighborhood, development, and security policies.

Obstacles & Emerging Threats

Despite stronger engagement, EMN countries report persistent challenges: uneven law enforcement, poor victim identification, limited international cooperation mechanisms, and low trust between partners. The COVID‑19 pandemic accelerated trafficking via digital channels, making it harder to detect and manage.

Cross-cultural and systemic differences complicate joint investigations and evidence sharing. Many respondents stressed a need to build trust and transparency in international cooperation frameworks.

Looking Ahead: A New Strategic Generation

In reaction to evolving threats, several EMN countries are updating or drafting new strategic plans—this time embedding an international dimension from the outset. Priorities include deepening financial investigations, enhancing digital monitoring capabilities, and strengthening long-term partnerships with origin and transit countries.

The shifting nature of trafficking demands adaptive responses—not just in technology, but in institutional capacity and policy design.

This approach shows that Europe is not only strengthening its internal response to a serious human rights crime, but is also positioning itself as a proactive global actor in the fight against human trafficking, with a real eye on long-term cooperation and prevention.

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