The Trafficking of Persons into the European Union for Sexual Exploitation: Why It Persists and Suggestions to Compel Implementation and Enforcement of Legal Remedies in Non-Complying Member States

Abstract

Trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a global scourge that affects all corners of the planet, including the European Union (E.U.). Since 1997, the E.U. has made great strides toward conquering trafficking within its borders, and yet this modern day slave trade continues to flourish. This Note follows the progression of Community legislation targeting trafficking from 1997 through today, and analyzes Member States’ compliance with those laws as well as patterns of concern. Because current legislation focuses primarily on penalization and victim’s protections, this note argues that the E.U. must pass legislation requiring Member States to take preventative action as well. It also argues that the E.U. must use its judicial powers to more effectively fight trafficking for sexual exploitation by punishing those Member States who still fail to comply with existing Community legislation.