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A Rising Tide of Victims

According to Eurojust data, over 10,700 cases of human trafficking were reported just last year—the highest figure in more than a decade. Contrary to stereotypes, victims are not only women and girls exploited sexually. Increasingly, men are also being targeted, with their numbers more than doubling since 2013.

Even more concerning are emerging forms of exploitation: organ trafficking, forced involvement in financial fraud, and abuses related to social security systems. These developments highlight the adaptability of criminal networks, which quickly respond to social and technological changes.

Eurojust as a Hub for Cooperation

The Eurojust meeting on September 24–25, 2025, in The Hague brought together prosecutors, representatives from the European Commission, Europol, and national delegates. The aim was not only to review the latest trends but also to explore ways to better coordinate cross-border investigations.

Michael Schmid, Eurojust’s chairperson, stressed that new EU strategies are meant to strengthen collaboration so that “traffickers face justice and the most vulnerable are protected.” Yet questions remain about whether coordination at the European level can overcome differences in national procedures and the limited resources of law enforcement in some countries.

New Technologies – Opportunity or Threat?

The role of artificial intelligence in human trafficking was a key discussion point. On one hand, digital tools enable criminals to recruit and control victims more effectively. On the other, technology could become a powerful ally for law enforcement if used to analyze data and track financial flows.

The challenge is that AI is a double-edged sword. Without consistent legal frameworks and adequate technical expertise, these tools may serve criminal networks more efficiently than justice authorities.

Legal Frameworks and the Risk of Ineffectiveness

EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator Diane Schmitt highlighted that EU policies must account for changing geopolitics and links between human trafficking and other crimes, such as cybercrime and drug trafficking. While her points are crucial, questions remain about how well current EU laws actually address these challenges.

Existing instruments rely mainly on recommendations and support for coordination. They do not establish uniform standards for prosecution. As a result, penalties vary widely across countries, encouraging “forum shopping” by traffickers seeking the most lenient jurisdictions.

Victims at the Center – Words vs. Practice

Eurojust participants consistently emphasize putting victims at the heart of anti-trafficking policies. Human trafficking is a crime that strips people of dignity, freedom, and fundamental rights, and protecting and reintegrating victims should be a primary priority.

However, NGO reports repeatedly show that, in practice, victims are often treated mainly as sources of evidence rather than individuals whose rights must be safeguarded. Standards for identifying victims are inconsistent, and psychosocial support systems are often insufficient.

Child Trafficking and Gaps in Enforcement

Child trafficking remains a particularly urgent problem. Prosecutors discussed best practices, yet cross-border investigations face unique challenges—from differing legal definitions to a lack of specialized structures in some countries.

The lack of harmonization in criminal law means that child victims may be treated differently depending on the country, undermining trust in the EU human rights protection system and raising questions about the effectiveness of EU-wide action.

Eurojust Between Theory and Practice

Eurojust’s Focus Group undoubtedly plays an important role in sharing information and good practices. Daniela Buruiana, chair of Eurojust’s human trafficking team, rightly noted that regular meetings strengthen the prosecutor community. But is networking alone enough?

Without real legal and financial instruments to back them up, Eurojust risks being more of a discussion platform than a tool for real change. This raises a critical question: does the EU have the political will to create binding mechanisms for prevention and prosecution, or is it content with annual conferences and strategies that are difficult to implement in practice?

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