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Human Trafficking in Europe: Key Statistics and Trends from the Latest GRETA Report

Human trafficking remains one of the most serious human rights challenges in Europe. The 14th General Report of GRETA, the monitoring body of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, provides a comprehensive overview of trafficking trends across the continent and evaluates how governments are responding.

The report, covering recent monitoring activities across 46 Council of Europe member states, highlights persistent gaps in victim protection, rising labour exploitation, and the increasing vulnerability of migrants and displaced populations.

Key Statistics on Human Trafficking in Europe

Victim profiles and exploitation patterns

The latest European data shows clear patterns in who is being trafficked and how they are exploited

  • Sexual exploitation remains the most common form, representing about 49% of identified victims in Europe.
  • Women and girls account for around 92% of victims of sexual exploitation.
  • Labour exploitation is rapidly increasing, with a 51% rise in identified victims in recent years.
  • Children represent roughly 19% of all trafficking victims across the European Union.

While sexual exploitation remains dominant overall, the GRETA report highlights a significant shift: labour exploitation is becoming more prevalent across multiple sectors and countries.

Distribution of trafficking types in Europe, showing the continued dominance of sexual exploitation alongside the rapid rise in labour exploitation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main sectors affected by labour exploitation

Across Europe, trafficking for labour exploitation is frequently identified in industries with informal employment or migrant labour. These include: agriculture, construction, domestic work, hospitality, restaurants, textile and manufacturing industries.

These sectors often rely on temporary or undocumented workers, making individuals more vulnerable to coercion, debt bondage, and exploitative working conditions.

Major Trends Identified Across Europe

1. Labour exploitation is increasing

One of the clearest trends highlighted by GRETA is the steady rise of trafficking for labour exploitation across Europe. In several countries, labour exploitation has already become the predominant form of trafficking, particularly where migrant workers are concentrated. The report warns that weak labour inspections, complex subcontracting chains, and informal recruitment practices make these crimes difficult to detect.

2. Migrants and refugees face heightened risks

Migration and displacement continue to increase vulnerability to trafficking. Refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants often experience:unstable legal status,limited access to employment and dependence on informal labour markets.

These conditions can expose individuals to traffickers who exploit their need for work or safe passage. Women and children travelling alone are especially at risk, particularly during migration journeys or while living in reception facilities.

3. Child trafficking remains a major concern

Children account for nearly one in five trafficking victims in Europe. Child victims are trafficked for: sexual exploitation, forced criminal activity, forced begging and labour exploitation.

GRETA stresses that child victims are sometimes wrongly treated as offenders, particularly when they are forced into illegal activities such as theft or drug distribution.

The Situation in Italy and Southern Europe

Southern Europe plays a key role in the trafficking landscape due to migration routes across the Mediterranean and the demand for labour in agriculture and service industries.

Italy

Italy remains both a destination and transit country for trafficking victims.

The latest GRETA evaluation highlights several important findings:

  • Labour exploitation remains significantly under-reported, particularly in agriculture and domestic work.
  • High-risk sectors include: agriculture, textile production, domestic service, construction, hospitality and restaurants.
  • Victims often hesitate to report exploitation due to fear of deportation or punishment.

GRETA acknowledges that Italy has introduced policies and assistance programmes for victims but recommends strengthening labour inspections and improving victim identification procedures.

Southern Europe more broadly

Countries in Southern Europe face similar structural challenges in combating trafficking

Key regional patterns

  1. Migration routes increase vulnerability. Mediterranean entry points create opportunities for trafficking networks targeting migrants and asylum seekers.
  2. Seasonal labour demand. Agricultural regions rely heavily on migrant labour, increasing the risk of labour exploitation.
  3. Organised crime involvement.Trafficking networks often intersect with broader organised crime structures operating across borders.
  4. Under identification of victims. Many cases remain hidden because victims fear authorities or lack legal protection.

Persistent Challenges Identified by GRETA

Despite progress in legislation and monitoring, several major challenges remain across Europe:

  • Many trafficking victims are never formally identified.
  • Conviction rates remain low compared with the scale of the problem.
  • Victims often struggle to access compensation and justice.
  • Labour exploitation continues to be insufficiently investigated and prosecuted.

GRETA therefore calls for stronger political commitment, improved victim protection systems, and better cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations.

Conclusion

The latest GRETA report confirms that human trafficking remains a widespread and evolving threat across Europe.

While sexual exploitation continues to affect thousands of victims, labour exploitation is rising rapidly, particularly in sectors dependent on migrant workers. Southern Europe including Italy faces unique challenges due to migration routes and labour market conditions.

Ultimately, the report emphasises that stronger victim protection, better labour oversight, and coordinated international action will be essential to reducing trafficking across the continent.

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