Stronger EU rules to fight trafficking in human beings enter into force

On 14 July, the revised EU Anti-Trafficking Directive enters into force with stronger rules to fight trafficking in human beings. The revised Directive introduces stricter criminalisation and provides stronger tools for public authorities to investigate and prosecute new forms of exploitation, including those that take place online, and ensure better assistance and support to victims.

For instance, national law will have to qualify the exploitation of surrogacy, of forced marriage and of illegal adoption as trafficking. Those who knowingly use services provided by victims of trafficking will commit criminal offence. The use of the internet, smartphones and computers will be considered as an aggravating circumstance when it is used for sexual exploitation and could lead to higher penalties.

The revised Directive will ensure that all EU countries will join forces and address the emerging issues in a harmonised way. They will nominate National anti-trafficking coordinators and will have to adopt and regularly update National action plans. EU Member States have two years (until 15 July 2026) to transpose these new rules into their national law.

The EU Anti-Trafficking Directive has been in place since 2011. The revised Directive is based on aproposal presented by the Commission on 19 December 2022. 

Find out more

Legal and Policy Framework