European CouncilCouncil of the European Union
The EU’s work to combat human trafficking
Today is EU Anti-Trafficking Day.
Each year, thousands of people are identified as victims of human trafficking in the European Union. 72% are women. 22% are children. 49% are EU citizens.
The EU and its member states cooperate closely to end this heinous crime. Read our feature story to discover how.
Read the story
The EU's work to combat
human trafficking
Trafficking in human beings is a serious and evolving crime, which brings misery and often violence and degradation to millions of vulnerable people around the world.
Human trafficking can mean sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced criminal activities, forced begging, slavery and removal of organs. Other forms include forced marriage and illegal adoption, as well as the transportation of babies for sale.
Every year, thousands of people are identified as victims of human trafficking in the EU.
The EU and its member states have taken many measures to fight trafficking in human beings and are stepping up their efforts to stop this heinous crime.
In 2021 alone, 3 108 criminals were arrested and €35 million were seized thanks to EU action.
Six myths about human trafficking
Hidden in plain sight: the invisible victims
Human trafficking is a highly lucrative business with a lower risk of detection for perpetrators than many other forms of crime. Globally, traffickers make estimated profits of €29.4 billion in a single year.
Gangs, seemingly legitimate companies, recruitment agencies and even the victims’ relatives engage in this crime.
Trafficking in human beings is often hidden from view, and the distinction between it and other crimes, such as extortion, money laundering and drug trafficking can be blurred, meaning it is hard for investigators to pick up on it.
As a result, a significant number of cases of human trafficking, often involving multiple forms of exploitation, remains unrecorded.
The victims have no trust in the support services around them, in the police or in themselves. They think they are not taken seriously and that they are culprits rather than victims.Merel Van Groningen, human trafficking survivor
Victims are often fearful of reprisal or ashamed of their plight – because they were tricked into it or they find their situation humiliating – and, understandably, tend not to declare themselves to the authorities.
It is estimated that there are five to ten times more victims within the EU than reported.
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