On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, VANGUARD had the honour to hold its 1st Policy Roundtable online, from 12:00-14:00 CEST. The event brought together twelve (12) experts in the field of trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation, from different countries (Greece, Luxembourg, Brussels, Portugal, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK, Switzerland) and from different types of organisations in the field, such as NGOs and International organisations (La Strada International, ICMPD, EU Network of Migrant Women, The Smile of the Child, APAV, IASIS), from renowned Universities (University of Luxembourg, KU Leuven, University of Manchester, CENTRIC – Sheffield Hallam University), and sister projects (EXIS).
The main objective of this Policy Roundtable was to initiate relevant discussions among participants, identify current gaps and challenges, assess policy strengths and weaknesses, and propose specific survivor-centred policy responses to enhance cooperation, strengthen prevention efforts, and advance victim protection. The meeting started with a presentation on the VANGUARD project, followed by a brief outline of policy-related insights from VANGUARD desktop research. Participants then delved deeper into addressing issues and presenting their thoughts and insights on four main thematic areas: (a) Effectiveness and limitations of current policies; (b) Cooperation and governance; (c) Emerging challenges and evolving trafficking dynamics; and (d) Future Priorities for EU Action. The outcomes of this activity will be included in the First Policy Recommendation Paper, which aims to inform decision-making and operational planning, as well as to support coordinated action across policy, operational, and technological domains, involving actors at the local, national, European and international levels, including EU agencies, civil society organisations, and stakeholders engaged in digital and innovation policy.
We would like to sincerely thank all the experts for dedicating their time and efforts, engaging in meaningful discussions and providing our project with fruitful feedback that will enrich policy endeavours around Trafficking in Human Beings.
