The revised EU Anti-Trafficking Directive enters into force
On 14 July 2024, 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.
On 23 January 2024, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on new rules to reinforce the fight against trafficking in human beings. This provisional agreement was then submitted to Member State’s representatives in the Council (Coreper) for confirmation. It was then formally adopted by the Parliament on 23 April 2024 and by the Council on 27 May 2024.
On 14 July 2024, 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 entered into force. Member States have two years to transpose the new rules into their national law: they shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 15 July 2026.
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.
For further details please read the press release from the European Commission.