On December 19, 2022, the EU Commission proposed strengthening the rules that prevent and combat the trafficking of human beings.
The updated rules will provide more vital tools for law enforcement and judicial authorities to investigate and prosecute new forms of exploitation, for example, by making sure that knowingly using the services provided by victims of trafficking constitutes a criminal offense.
The Commission’s proposal put forward mandatory sanctions against companies for trafficking offenses and not only individuals. It also aims to improve early identification and support procedures for victims in the Member States, mainly by creating a European Referral Mechanism.
It is now up to the European Parliament and the Council to examine the proposal. Once adopted, Member States should transpose the new rules into their national law.
More information is available at www.ec.europa.eu.