Eu Action against Trafficking of Human Beings: past, Present and the Future

Abstract

This chapter analyses the European Union (EU) in relation to trafficking of human beings. It illustrates action against trafficking under the Treaty on European Union (TEU). In accordance with Title VI, an overall strategy of EU has been promotion of functional co-operation among law enforcement and judicial authorities of Member States. It then discusses the present action against trafficking under TEU as revised by Treaty of Amsterdam. The chapter focuses on two key instruments: the Council Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings and Council Directive on the short-term residence permit issued to victims of action to facilitate illegal immigration for trafficking in human beings who cooperate with the competent authorities . It identifies the uncertain legal nature of initiatives adopted by the EU, promotion of divergence rather than approximation, and restrictive immigration laws and policies as examples of problems which may limit the effectiveness of EU action against trafficking. Keywords: European Union (EU); illegal immigration; immigration laws; Member States; trafficking of human beings; Treaty of Amsterdam; Treaty on European Union (TEU)