Study to support the evaluation of the Directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims and an impact assessment for a legislative proposal on the topic : executive summary

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, and EU Added Value of Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings (THB) and protecting its victims. Through detailed desk research and extensive data collection activity, this study aimed to provide a factual analysis and identify possible gaps and shortcomings of the current framework. Findings from this analysis were used to identify problems and drivers related to the fight against THB, including persisting challenges related to the prevention and detection of THB, difficulties experienced by Member States in their efforts to fight THB and gaps in assistance provided to victims of THB. The study further developed non-binding, factual recommendations for possible future measures, both legislative and non-legislative, to help address remaining gaps. After assessing potential impacts of developed measures, the study concludes by ranking and comparing the identified policy options. The study finds that a policy packet that combined legislative and non-legislative measures can be expected to be the most effective.