The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published its Annual Report for 2025, warning that trafficking in human beings for the purpose of forced criminal activities is one of the fastest-growing forms of exploitation in Europe. According to GRETA’s findings, organized criminal groups are increasingly targeting vulnerable individuals, including children, migrants, and people facing difficult socio-economic circumstances, and coercing them into engaging in various criminal activities.
The report highlights how traffickers exploit poverty, unemployment, insecure migration status, homelessness, addiction, and other forms of vulnerability to establish control over victims. Particularly at risk are unaccompanied children, children in alternative care, and members of marginalized communities.
GRETA warns that victims of trafficking who are forced to engage in criminal activities often remain unidentified as victims and are instead treated as offenders. As a result, States are urged to strengthen victim identification mechanisms, ensure the effective application of the non-punishment principle for victims of trafficking, and enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, social services, and civil society organizations.
In addition to forced criminality, GRETA continues to raise concerns about the growing prevalence of trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. This trend is reflected in European statistics, which show a significant increase in the number of identified victims of labour exploitation in recent years.
What Does the Report Mean for Serbia?
Although this year’s report does not focus on individual countries, its findings are particularly relevant for Serbia in light of the growing number of foreign workers, increasing risks of labour exploitation, and recent international cases that have pointed to possible indicators of forced labour in the country.
In its most recent evaluation report on Serbia, GRETA called on the authorities to intensify efforts to prevent and combat trafficking for labour exploitation, improve the identification of victims among migrant workers, and ensure adequate assistance and protection for potential victims.
GRETA also stressed the need for more proactive investigations, more effective prosecution of perpetrators, and improved access to justice and compensation for victims. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the identification of victims among migrants and asylum seekers, as well as enhancing the capacity of institutions responsible for their protection.
ASTRA welcomes the fact that forced labour and other forms of exploitation are receiving increasing attention at the European level. We believe that GRETA’s findings serve as an important reminder that the protection of the human rights of workers, migrants, and other vulnerable groups must remain a key public policy priority in both Serbia and Europe.
For more information, GRETA’s Annual Report is available on the Council of Europe website.