New EU initiative to fight organised crime and human trafficking at EU borders
A new €1.5 million project that will boost the fight against organised crime and human trafficking in Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova and Turkey has been launched by the European Union. This innovative pilot project will help countries to be better equipped to deal with human trafficking, for example through sharing data on trafficking and providing training for law enforcement agencies on how to deal with the issue more effectively.
At the same time, it will promote regional cooperation on this issue through sharing information and best practice between countries and regions. This is essential given the fact that most trafficking cases take place across several countries.
Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said: "I find it absolutely shocking that in the 21st century, human trafficking continues. Organised crime is a virus that knows no borders, so the remedy must also strike across borders not only to protect the victims, but also EU citizens. That's why projects like this are so vital – it is only by countries working together that we are likely to see an end to this terrible scourge on modern society."
For more information: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-121_en.htm
