EMPACT THB 2026-2027

2026-07-22

The project focuses on the EU/international coordinated fight against all forms of human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, forced criminality, and child trafficking. The goal is to identify and dismantle organized crime groups and facilitators involved in the phenomenon by exchanging operational information and knowledge, initiating international investigations, and organizing EU/international operations such as action days. The project will share knowledge on intervention strategies, combating human trafficking, innovation, and creating barriers to crime, such as identifying human trafficking via the digital dimension of THB. The use of (innovative) technologies and the cooperation with private partners will therefore be a key element of the approach. The project will strengthen cross-border cooperation and collaboration with EU agencies, such as Europol, Eurojust, Frontex, and Cepol, as well as cooperation with relevant non-EU countries, such as Latin American countries including but not limited to Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela,; Asian countries including but not limited to China and Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Philippines and Pakistan (major source countries of human trafficking). But also strengthening the cooperation with Western Balkan Region, Eastern Partnership countries, with a focus on Ukraine due to the ongoing war. Responses to emerging threats, such as those resulting from the war in Ukraine, will be integrated into the activities. The project will focus on strengthening the judicial cooperation within EMPACT THB. This will lead to an increase in prosecutions and convictions related to human trafficking. With a focus on creating a structured and focused environment for judicial authorities across Member States, enabling a more cohesive and effective response in THB. Through enhancement and strengthening of cooperation between the judicial authorities and in cooperation with Eurojust.

Netherlands

2026-02-15