Today, one year ago, on 14 July 2024, the revised EU Anti-Trafficking Directive entered into force, marking a significant step forward in the EU’s response to human trafficking. The revision represented an important shift in the fight against trafficking in human beings, introducing key measures to enhance victim support, improve identification mechanisms, and strengthen prosecution efforts. Apparently all EUMS have received a request from the EU ATC office to report on the first progress made by 15 September.
The revised Directive introduced several changes, including making it mandatory for member states to criminalise the knowing use of services of trafficked people, which was previously optional. It further requires the establishment of national anti-trafficking coordinators and formal referral mechanisms. These measures should guarantee the prompt identification of victims and the delivery of assistance, particularly for the most vulnerable individuals, including women, children, and those requiring international protection. Also, the non-punishment provision (article 8) has expanded and now includes also civil and administration offences. Hence, victims of trafficking should not, for instance, be held responsible for administrative offences related to sex work, begging, loitering or undeclared work. This should encourage victims to report crimes and seek support or assistance.
the revision further makes the use of ICT, an aggravating circumstance, and legal entities, such as companies, committing trafficking offences, would be subject to more stringent penalties, including exclusion from public tenders, grants, concessions and licences, and the withdrawal of permits and authorisations to pursue activities which have resulted in committing the offence.
Moreover, it introduces three additional forms of exploitation under the definition of human trafficking defined in Article 2: the exploitation of forced marriage, surrogacy, and illegal adoption. These additions, which might help to raise more awareness about exploitative practices, also raise critical questions regarding legal definitions, implementation challenges, and potential rights implications around these forms. La Strada International is currently conducting research on all three forms to better understand the legal landscape across Member States, and possible implications.
One year on, Member States still have until July 2026 to fully transpose the revised Directive into national law. The Netherlands has already taken the first steps in this direction. On 10 June 2025, the Dutch House of Representatives approved the bill “Modernisation and Expansion of the Criminalisation of Human Trafficking,” which amends the national legal framework to align with the new EU requirements. The bill is still to pass the Senate.
As the transposition process continues, La Strada International calls on all Member States to ensure a timely and effective implementation of the revised Directive. National authorities should closely engage with civil society organisations and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive and coordinated responses that reflect the realities on the ground.
La Strada International will continue to monitor the transposition process and support efforts to uphold the rights of victims and prevent all forms of exploitation.