Some 30 representatives of Italian government agencies, public bodies and civil society met in Rome on 15 April 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against trafficking in Human Beings, drawing on the third evaluation report issued by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation.

The round-table meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Department of Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Italian Council of Ministers. The meeting was opened by Mr Stefano Pizzicannella, Coordinator of the Office for Equal Opportunities Policies and Special Envoy on Human Trafficking Issues, who reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to further develop its anti-trafficking policies and make them more effective. He also highlighted the importance of this round-table discussion, which provided a forum for dialogue for all relevant stakeholders, including NGOs supporting victims of trafficking and other civil society organisations. Ms Petya Nestorova, Head of the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, noted that the Council of Europe stands ready to support Italy in strengthening the implementation of the Convention.

The discussions focused notably on preventing and combating trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, improving the identification of victims of trafficking, including at borders, assistance to victims of trafficking, access to the recovery and reflection period and application of the non-punishment provision.

Italy is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties on the measures taken to comply with its recommendation by 21 June 2026.

 See also: GRETA and Italy