The Council agreed on a general
approach regarding a directive aimed at strengthening the fight against
trafficking in human beings and the protection of victims.
In March 2010,
the Commission adopted its proposal on the file. Once adopted, the new rules
will replace framework decision 2002/629/JHA. The goal is to further
approximate national legislation and to improve international law enforcement
and judicial cooperation. The provisions of the future directive include:
- a definition of the crime, aggravating
circumstances and stiffer penalties;
- extraterritorial jurisdiction making it
possible to prosecute EU nationals for crimes committed abroad and to
use investigative tools such as phone listening and access to financial
data;
- special treatment of the victims in
criminal proceedings including non-punishment of victims who suffer the
consequences of the criminal activities;
- a higher standard of protection and
assistance for victims, and in particular special protective measures
for children;
- preventive measures aimed at
discouraging the demand side of the phenomenon.