The European Migration Network (EMN) has published the study ‘Trafficking in human beings – the international dimension’, outlining efforts by 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries to combat trafficking in human beings.
The study examines policies aligned with the EU Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings 2021-2025, covering prevention, law enforcement, victim support, and international partnerships. The study highlights challenges, good practices, and ongoing discussions to strengthen future policies.
While many trafficking victims within the EU are EU nationals, data from third-country nationals comprised 63.1% of victims of trafficking in human being in 2022, compared to roughly 43% for the period 2019-2021.[1] At the same time, many victims remain undetected.
Recognising the increasing international dimension of trafficking in human beings, the EU designated this issue as a priority under the EU Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings 2021-2025[2] to reinforce efforts to combat trafficking in human beings beyond EU borders. The EU Anti-Trafficking Directive[3] was amended[4] in 2024 and entered into force on 14 July 2024. The modifications introduced stronger rules to fight trafficking in human beings and provided reinforced tools for public authorities to investigate and prosecute trafficking offences. It also provides for better support to victims of trafficking. Based on the Strategy and the Directive, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator (EU ATC)[5] promotes a coordinated and coherent approach to address trafficking in human beings.
Within this framework, EMN Member and Observer Countries have implemented a range of policy measures to tackle the international dimension of trafficking in human beings. Prioritised thematic areas include crime prevention, victim protection, law enforcement coordination, and prosecution of perpetrators. Many countries focus on specific third countries, regions, or migrant groups, reflecting tailored approaches to address trafficking risks effectively.
Most of the national measures specifically targeting third-country nationals in EMN Member and Observer Countries are implemented by international organisations (primarily IOM) and/or NGOs and CSOs and were funded through a combination of national and EU funds.
Most countries addressed the international dimension as part of broader anti-trafficking strategies, interlinking policies with migration, asylum, border management, and organised crime efforts. Although no country has a dedicated policy exclusively focused on the international dimension of trafficking in human beings, many integrated human trafficking responses within existing national strategies.
Key good practices in identifying and supporting victims in third countries included cooperation with NGOs and stakeholder capacity building activities.[6] Good practices included, among others, mentoring and training of law enforcement authorities, the establishment of specialised law enforcement units or victim assistance, support and referral systems and the organisation of capacity building activities for key stakeholders.
EMN Member and Observer Countries face recurring challenges in addressing trafficking in human beings, including prevention and demand reduction, law enforcement and judicial response, victim identification and support, and international cooperation.
Several countries are currently discussing how future policies could address these needs. At the end of 2023, several EMN Member and Observer Countries were reviewing or establishing their national anti-trafficking strategies,[7] including measures to reinforce international cooperation.[8] Some countries are evaluating agreements with third countries to reinforce cooperation with third countries of origins and transit of victims.[9]
[1] European Commission, ’ Report on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings (Fourth Report)’, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52022DC0736, accessed 11 June 2025.
[2] EU Strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings 2021-2025, COM(2021) 171 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0171, accessed 11 June 2025.
[3] Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (OJ L 101, 15.4.2011, ELI) http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/36/oj, accessed 10 July 2025.
[4] Directive (EU) 2024/1712 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (OJ L, 2024/1712, 24.6.2024, ELI)
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1712/oj, accessed 10 July 2024.
[5] EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator - European Commission
[6] AT, BE, DE, ES, FR, IE, NL.
[7] BE, DE, EL, ES, FI, FR, SE, SK, and GE, RS.
[8] DE, EL, and RS.
[9] FR, SI, and RS.