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Fighting migrant smuggling and human trafficking

Targeting criminal networks that exploit vulnerable migrants is necessary in order not only to fight migrant smuggling, but also to combat human trafficking.

The fight against migrant smuggling

Migrant smuggling has developed significantly since the migration crisis began in 2015. Over 90% of irregular migrants pay smugglers to try to reach Europe, according to Europol and Interpol. This is a highly lucrative business for criminal networks, and there is a low risk of getting caught.

It is estimated that migrant smuggling generates an annual turnover of between €4.7 billion and €6 billion worldwide. 

The EU has taken decisive action to target criminal networks that exploit vulnerable migrants. The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) identified combatting the facilitation of irregular migration as one of the priorities for the period 2022-2025.

In 2022, coordinated action by member states led to:
•    3 646 arrests
•    3 285 investigations
•    €2 267 655 in cash seized
•    thousands of fraudulent documents seized

EU legislation to prevent and fight migrant smuggling

In November 2023, the European Commission adopted two legislative proposals to prevent and fight migrant smuggling.

The first was a directive on minimum rules to prevent and counter migrant smuggling. Its goals include:
•    making the prosecution of smuggling networks more effective
•    clarifying the definition of smuggling as an offence
•    harmonising penalties

The second was a regulation on police cooperation. Its aims include:
•    reinforcing Europol’s role in the fight against migrant smuggling
•    strengthening the sharing of data, including biometrics, among member states and with Europol

On 19 June 2024, EU member state representatives (Coreper) agreed on the Council’s negotiating mandate for a regulation to enhance the role of Europol in the fight against migrant smuggling.

In September 2025, the presidency of the Council and European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement on strengthening Europol to better support member states in their fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. 

The EU's work to combat human trafficking

Over the years, the EU and its member states have developed a stronger and evolving response to human trafficking, focusing on policing and prevention.

Adopted in 2011, the anti-trafficking directive draws on the UN’s protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons and the Council of Europe’s convention on action against trafficking in human beings.

It recognises that trafficking in human beings is not just a crime but a human rights violation, and that member states have a responsibility to protect victims regardless of their country of origin.

The directive also provides tougher rules for dealing with the trafficking of children. Member states must provide all child victims of trafficking with assistance and access to education.

In June 2024, the EU decided to add the exploitation of surrogacy, forced marriage and illegal adoption as forms of exploitation covered by the EU’s anti-trafficking law. In addition, knowingly using the service provided by a trafficking victim has become a criminal offence that is punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties.

In 2022, there were 10 093 registered victims of trafficking in human beings in the EU and 2 097 convicted traffickers. In 2023, 7 500 victims were identified under the EU platform for fighting organised and serious crime (EMPACT), with 457 arrests reported.

The EU's work to combat human trafficking

Every year, thousands of people are identified as victims of human trafficking in the EU. The EU and its member states have taken many measures to fight this heinous crime and are stepping up their efforts.

 

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Last review: 15 January 2026