European Commission - Directorate General for Energy

07/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2026 04:16

Specialised prosecutors strengthening the fight against human trafficking

On 17 - 18 June, the Focus Group of specialised prosecutors on Trafficking in Human Beings met at the Eurojust headquarters in The Hague. The meeting was co-chaired by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and focused on recent developments in the fight against trafficking in human beings.

This 5th meeting of the Focus Group discussed the practical challenges of the application of the non-prosecution principle, cooperation with Latin American countries, and the new operational action on judicial cooperation under EMPACT Trafficking in human beings. It also focused on child trafficking in the context of institutional care and awareness-raising efforts, as well as a consultation on the new EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings.

The event gathered prosecutors and judicial practitioners working on cases related to trafficking in human beings, representatives from the European Commission, Europol and national authorities, as well as representatives from Western Balkan partner countries, Latin American countries, the EL PACCTO 2.0 Project, the OSCE, Eurojust National Members and Liaison Prosecutors.

Trafficking in human beings is a crime that knows no borders and our response must be equally coordinated. This meeting demonstrates the commitment of specialised prosecutors across the EU to strengthen cooperation in the fight against trafficking. By working together and sharing expertise, we can enhance the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions, ensuring a coordinated response that holds traffickers accountable and protect victims.

Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator

As Member States are currently preparing for the practical application of the revised EU Anti-Trafficking Directive, exchanges among specialised prosecutors and judicial practitioners were particularly valuable for identifying challenges, sharing experience and effective response to trafficking in human beings across the EU.

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Specialised prosecutors meet at Eurojust to strengthen the fight against human trafficking

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