Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings
On 19 December 2022, the European Commission put forward a proposal for the targeted revision of Directive 2011/36/EU – the main EU instrument to combat trafficking in human beings and to protect its victims. Despite progress achieved in fighting this crime, the Commission reports that, on average, over 7 000 people per year fall victim to human trafficking in the EU. Forms of exploitation have evolved and adapted to the new environment. For instance, new technologies are used to recruit victims. While a large majority of victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation are women and girls, men are more at risk of falling victim to trafficking for labour exploitation, the share of which is increasing, or are forced to commit crimes. Against this backdrop, the Commission proposed a set of amendments to strengthen the current rules, further harmonise provisions across Member States in order to reduce demand, and collect robust data and statistics. In January 2024, the European Ϸվ and the Council reached an interinstitutional agreement, which was approved by both institutions. After formal adoption by the Council, the act was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 24 June 2024. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.
Briefing