On Wednesday 22 January 2025, the European Commission published the fifth progress report on the fight against trafficking in human beings (THB) in the European Union (EU).

The report, which provides an analysis of statistics from 2021 to 2022, found that the total number of victims registered in the EU increased by 41%, from 7,155 victims in 2021 to 10,093 in 2022. However, the real number is likely to be significantly higher, as many cases go undetected and unreported, noted the Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg.

Within the EU, trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation remained the most widespread form, accounting for 49% of all victims. The second most widespread form is labour exploitation, accounting for 37%. Child trafficking, which represents 19% of all victims of trafficking in the EU, decreased by 3% compared to the previous report. During the reporting period, third-country nationals represented the majority of THB victims, accounting for 54%.

In Luxembourg, the most widespread forms of exploitation are labour exploitation and sexual exploitation. The report determined that Luxembourg is one of the four European countries where labour exploitation is predominant.

Moreover, considering the number of victims in proportion to the size of the population, rather than the absolute number of victims, Luxembourg recorded the highest number of victims (99 per million inhabitants), in 2021 to 2022. These victims are mainly from non-European countries.

The Representation noted that, since 2022, the EU has strengthened its policies aimed at stepping up the fight against THB. A revised Directive on preventing and combating THB entered into force in July 2024, following a proposal by the Commission. The revised Directive is said to have strengthened the tools for national authorities to investigate cases of trafficking and provide better support to victims. It also focuses on the protection of children and includes online sexual exploitation as an aggravating circumstance. The Commission reportedly intends to further step up its action against traffickers, including by launching an anti-trafficking platform.

The full report is available (in English) at www.eur-lex.europa.eu.