Frontex Leads International Effort to Tackle Child Trafficking in Europe

News News Release Management Board updates Frontex Leads International Effort to Tackle Child Trafficking in Europe 2025-05-07 On 6 and 7 May, Frontex hosted a major international conference focused on some of the darkest crimes facing Europe today the trafficking and exploitation of children. The event gathered more than 60 participants from 24 countries, including representatives from EU institutions, national authorities, international organisations, and civil society. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens opened the event with a clear message:“Child trafficking is not just a legal problem. It is a moral one. And we have a duty to act.” He added: “At Frontex, we are training our officers to detect the signs, strengthening our response on the ground, and working with national and international partners to stop criminals before they reach their victims. This is not optional. It is our responsibility because every child we protect is a life saved from fear, violence, and exploitation.”Hans Leijtens was joined by other leading voices, including Diane Schmitt, the EU’s Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, and Agata Furgała, Director at Poland’s Ministry of Interior, who addressed the event on behalf of the Polish Presidency. The conference focused on practical solutions: how to detect, protect, and respond. Discussions covered early identification of child victims at borders, protection during migration, and ensuring that traffickers are held to account through robust justice...