Over the years, international law's response to trafficking has undergone significant reforms, with the latest influential framework adopted in 2000 shaping EU regulations. However, the delayed legislative action against trafficking within the EU, nearly a century after international law first addressed it, raises questions about the effectiveness of these laws. In contrast, prostitution, which has a contentious role in perpetuating sex trafficking, received earlier recognition in national laws, suggesting a greater EU focus on prostitution than on trafficking itself. Yet, the core issues surrounding prostitution remain largely unaddressed. This study argues that the focus should not only be on "what law" exists but also on "who makes the law," highlighting how institutional changes impact trafficking dynamics in the EU. By presenting EU treaties and legal instruments chronologically, the book illustrates the evolution of EU regulations. Both Sweden and Germany, influenced by international trafficking instruments and EU obligations, have made significant legal efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in the realm of sex trafficking. Despite some differences in their responses, both countries' approaches are shaped by their allegiance to EU and international laws. The analysis includes a detailed examination of national regulations on sex trafficking in Sweden and Germany within the context of broader international and
