The Plan for 2015-2020 sets out concrete actions to prevent and counter migrant smuggling. Actions include setting up a list of suspicious vessels, enhancing exchange of information with financial institutions and cooperating with internet service providers and social media.

On 5 April 2011, the European Union adopted Directive 2011/36/EU which sets out minimum standards to be applied throughout the European Union in preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims.