The EU adopts stronger rules to fight trafficking in human beings - European Commission

On 27 May 2024, the Council has adopted new rules to reinforce the fight against trafficking in human beings. These rules provide stronger tools for law enforcement and judicial authorities to investigate and prosecute new forms of exploitation, including those that take place online and will ensure a higher level of assistance and support to victims.

The adoption includes the following measures:

• EU countries will be required to include the exploitation of surrogacy, of forced marriage, and of illegal adoption as forms of exploitation explicitly covered by the definition of trafficking in human beings in their national law;
• Trafficking committed through the use of information and communication technologies will be considered as an aggravating circumstance when it relates to sexual exploitation, which means that it can lead to higher penalties;
• EU countries will be required to establish Formal Referral Mechanisms, enhancing early identification and assistance of victims, as well as single national focal points, which will form the basis of a European Referral Mechanism;
• The knowing use of services provided by trafficking victims will become a criminal offence, with the aim of reducing the demand that fosters trafficking;
• National Anti-Trafficking Coordinators will be established, and Member States will also have the possibility to designate independent bodies. The adoption and regular updates of National Action Plans will also become mandatory;
• EU-wide data collection on trafficking in human beings based on specific indicators will become mandatory and will be published annually by Eurostat.