Ecorys supports the launch of the EU Anti-Trafficking Hub

Trafficking in human beings is a serious crime and violation of human rights that affects thousands across Europe and millions globally, especially women, children, and vulnerable groups. Largely undetected, victims are exploited in various ways, from prostitution and others forms of sexual exploitation, through forced labour or services, including begging, slavery, and servitude, to the exploitation of criminal activities, the removal of organs, the exploitation of surrogacy, forced marriage, or illegal adoption.

Tackling this issue requires coordinated prevention, protection, and enforcement efforts across the EU. This is why the European Commission recently launched the EU Anti-Trafficking Hub.

On 5 June, the European Commission officially launched the EU Anti-Trafficking Hub during the meeting of the National Anti-Trafficking Coordinators and Rapporteurs (formerly: National Coordinators and Rapporteurs on trafficking in human beings). This initiative marks an important step in implementing the 2021–2025 EU Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

The Hub will play a key role in supporting the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and contributing to the development and delivery of EU policies aimed at preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and ensuring better enforcement. It will also assist with the implementation of both the EU Strategy and the amended EU Anti-Trafficking Directive

Functioning as a collaborative platform, the Hub will work closely with national authorities, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders. Its core activities include research, analysis, and advice. It will serve as a platform for participatory dialogue, and creative thinking for genuine knowledge production and exchange.

Ecorys, leading the implementation of the services, works together with La Strada International, HEUNI, CEPS and ERA in assisting the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and the European Commission, broadly, in establishing and operating the Hub for the coming 4 years.

More information about the EU Anti-Trafficking Hub can be found in our flyer.