The EU4FAST regional action, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the project “Strengthening Management Systems of Irregular Migration and Fight against Organised Crime in North Macedonia” and in close partnership with the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors, organized a specialized workshop on “Human Trafficking and Child Trafficking in Comparison with Other Similar Criminal Offences, Procedural Challenges in Victim Protection and International Cooperation.” The workshop took place on 21 and 22 May 2026 in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia.
The workshop brought together basic public prosecutors and judges from across North Macedonia for an in-depth exchange on strengthening institutional responses to complex trafficking cases. Participants explored the legal distinctions and practical intersections between human trafficking, child trafficking, and related criminal offences, while also addressing key procedural challenges linked to victim protection, evidence gathering, and international judicial cooperation, with a particular focus on the use of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs).
Through interactive case-based discussions and peer exchange, prosecutors and judges shared practical experiences and perspectives on ensuring more consistent legal qualification of offences, applying stronger victim-centred approaches, and improving cross-border cooperation in complex investigations. Attention was also dedicated to the protection of vulnerable victims, especially children, in line with European and international human rights standards.
The active participation of judges added an important judicial dimension to the discussions, providing valuable insight into evidentiary standards and court expectations, and contributing to a stronger understanding of how prosecutorial strategies and investigations can be further aligned with judicial practice.
The workshop further reinforced cooperation and dialogue between prosecutors and judges, promoting a more coordinated, effective, and rights-based response to trafficking in human beings and related forms of exploitation. It additionally strengthened the capacities for applying legal qualifications of trafficking‑related criminal offences, including upgraded understanding of the applicable legal framework and the constituent elements of human trafficking, including child trafficking in relation to the criminal offences of neglecting and mistreating a child, mediation in conducting prostitution, migrant smuggling, and founding a slave relationship and transportation of persons in slavery.
EU4FAST is co-funded by the European Commission, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Italian Ministry of Interior and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken). Implemented by a consortium of partners, amongst others the Dutch Center for International Legal Cooperation.