About
Discover the European Forum Against Trafficking in Human Beings – Countering Organised Crime and Protecting Victims, which addresses current challenges and highlights effective initiatives to identify and combat trafficking in human beings as organised crime in Europe.
Trafficking in human beings is a growing organised crime threat to the Baltic Sea Region and Europe.
Organised crime groups find this crime lucrative because revenues are high while risks of detection remain low. They frequently combine human trafficking with other criminal activities, such as migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, or money laundering. In doing so, organised human trafficking networks destabilise societies on multiple fronts – violating the human rights of victims, undermining public safety, eroding the rule of law and threatening regional stability.
Because trafficking networks are often transnational, effective responses require close cooperation across borders. It is in this context that the Council of the Baltic Sea States and Europol are convening the European Forum Against Trafficking in Human Beings – Countering Organised Crime and Protecting Victims. The Forum aims to raise awareness, promote transnational collaboration, and identify best practices in combatting human trafficking as organised crime.
The event is designed primarily for law enforcement authorities but also welcomes participants from national ministries, state authorities and international organisations that work with human trafficking as organised crime. The programme will feature high-level keynotes, interactive panels, and case-based presentations focused on operational realities, current challenges, and opportunities for enhanced cooperation and joint action.
About the organisers
The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes political dialogue and practical cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. Prevention of trafficking in human beings is one of its objectives. Recent CBSS initiatives include the development of a human trafficking investigation protocol for law enforcement officers and a study on the intersections of human trafficking and benefit fraud.
Europol is the European Union’s agency for law enforcement cooperation. Its mission is to support Member States in combatting serious international and organised crime, cybercrime and terrorism. Addressing human trafficking is a priority area for Europol. By providing analytical, strategic and operational assistance, Europol enhances the ability of law enforcement authorities to prevent, identify, and intercept organised human trafficking networks operating across the EU.