Proceedings of the International scientific and practical conference ―Modern Science and Education‖ (April 10-12, 2026) / Publisher website: www.naukainfo.com. – Paris, France, 2026. - 217 p.

42 risks, including violence, coercion, and exploitation. In such contexts, traffickers can easily take advantage of migrants‘ lack of legal protection and limited access to assistance [1, p. 228]. The absence of adequate legal and social protection further exacerbates vulnerability. Migrant women, particularly those without legal status, may be reluctant to seek help due to fear of deportation or mistrust of authorities. This creates an environment in which traffickers can operate with relative impunity, reinforcing cycles of exploitation. Dependence on intermediaries, such as smugglers or informal recruiters, is another critical factor that increases the risk of trafficking. These actors often promise safe passage or employment opportunities but instead subject women to exploitation. The blurred line between smuggling and trafficking further complicates the identification of victims and the prosecution of offenders [4, p. 300]. Migration crises, including armed conflicts and political instability, significantly intensify trafficking risks. Situations such as wars or humanitarian emergencies lead to mass displacement, during which women and girls become particularly vulnerable. The lack of institutional control and protection mechanisms in crisis settings creates opportunities for traffickers to exploit displaced populations. Despite the existence of a comprehensive EU legal framework, several structural challenges hinder the effective борьба against trafficking. One of the main issues is the inconsistency of legislation across member states, which leads to uneven implementation of anti- trafficking measures. Differences in legal definitions, penalties, and victim protection standards complicate cross-border cooperation. Another significant challenge is the insufficient level of coordination between national authorities and EU institutions. Although mechanisms for cooperation exist, gaps remain in information exchange and joint operational capacity. Additionally, the under-identification of victims remains a persistent problem, as many cases of trafficking go undetected due to hidden forms of exploitation and limited reporting [5, p. 178]. Emerging challenges, such as online recruitment and the use of digital platforms by traffickers, further complicate the situation. At the same time, new