KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre successfully hosted the international conference “#SeeingTheUnseen: Advancing collaboration against labour exploitation and human trafficking in Europe” on Friday, 5 December 2025, at Residence Palace in Brussels. The hybrid event attracted around 110 participants from across Europe, bringing together policymakers, frontline professionals, researchers, and civil-society organisations committed to strengthening coordinated responses to labour exploitation and trafficking in human beings. The conference was organised within the framework of the ERADICATING II project and moderated by Nefeli Papagiannakou, Senior Project Manager at KMOP.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks by Daniela Obster, project coordinator at the University of applied sciences for public service in Bavaria, department of policing, who highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation among institutions and the central role of the ERADICATING II project in equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to identify and respond effectively to trafficking. The presentation focused on the key results of the project, an outcome of a multidisciplinary collaboration among partners.
The first keynote was delivered by Antoaneta Vassileva – 1st Vice President, group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings (GRETA), who presented “Beyond the Surface: Europe’s Policy Blind Spots in Labour Exploitation and What GRETA Sees.” She emphasized fragmented efforts in THB / capacity building of staff-which must be systematic since there is a big turn over- and tackle the fear of victims to report incidents.
A law-enforcement perspective followed from Patrick Bourgeois, retired first chief commissioner of Police and former unit leader of the division “Human Trafficking and Smuggling” of the Federal Judicial Police of Brussels. Drawing on over three decades of investigative experience, he explored the current realities in trafficking in human beings, highlighting the evolution of legal definitions, exploitation patterns, and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks. He emphasized the importance of the multidisciplinary approach (from inspections, to police and justice as well as with NGOs supporting victims)
Focusing on the needs and experiences of victims, Efthymis Antonopoulos– head of policy and advocacy, Victim Support Europe, delivered an in-depth presentation on “Strengthening Victim Support Systems in Labour Trafficking Cases.” He examined why many victims remain unseen due to trauma, intimidation, cultural barriers, or fear of authorities. He highlighted the importance of a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach and outlined early indicators of forced labour—such as debt bondage, retention of identity documents, coercion, restricted movement, and exploitative living conditions—that can guide frontline professionals.
A complementary viewpoint came from Sophia Wirsching – executive director, KOK, German NGO Network against Trafficking in Human Beings, who highlighted the need to strengthen long-term victim protection structures and ensure access to specialised services. She underscored the importance of coordinated action between NGOs and public authorities so that victims receive comprehensive support and can engage effectively in judicial processes.
Turning to the Belgian context, Stef Janssens– senior expert on trafficking and smuggling in human beings, Myria Belgium, presented “THB-risk sectors and best practices in Belgium in the field of human trafficking – Labour exploitation.” He outlined the sectors most vulnerable to exploitation, including construction, nail salons, restaurants, agriculture, textile warehouses, domestic work, car washes, and cleaning services. Finally, he explained how trafficking often intersects with subcontracting chains, bogus self-employment, false posting, and debt-related coercion. Janssens emphasised Belgium’s multidisciplinary inspection model and reminded participants that undocumented workers must be treated as potential victims, not offenders.
The role of technology in strengthening anti-trafficking responses was highlighted by Theoni Spathi from the National Centre for Research and Technology Development (CERTH-ITI), who presented how the VANGUARD EU project is deploying artificial intelligence to improve early detection and operational analysis. She demonstrated how AI-supported tools can help frontline professionals identify risk patterns more quickly, map complex criminal networks, and intervene more effectively.
Finally, Lora Daskalou, project manager at KMOP discussed “Tackling Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Sector,” noting the vulnerabilities faced by workers and the importance of equipping employers and staff with the skills and practical tools needed to identify and report potential cases of exploitation in the accommodations and hospitality sector.
An informal networking session followed, strengthening cooperation across borders and professional fields.