EU justice ministers today reached consensus on new rules to combat trafficking in human beings and protect those who fall victim to human trafficking.

After intensive negotiations during the Swedish Presidency, EU justice ministers today reached consensus on strengthened rules to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and to protect victims. The proposal contains more effective provisions in the fight against human trafficking. The new provisions will broaden the concept of trafficking in human beings to cover more cases than at present and will increase penalties at EU level. The Member States will also be given jurisdiction over offences committed abroad to a greater extent than is now the case. The focus will be put on crime victims through new, clearer rules on support to and protection for those who have fallen victim to trafficking in human beings, particularly children.

“The consensus we have now reached is an important step towards new strong rules against those who exploit vulnerable individuals. I am therefore very pleased to see that our work has led to results and I assume that this will provide the basis for a new instrument under the Lisbon Treaty,” says Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask.