Written question – Free movement in the EU – E-001781/2025

Question for written answer  E-001781/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Hanna Gedin (The Left)

In Sweden, selling sex is legal, but buying sexual services is prohibited. Despite this, however, women from other EU countries are being detained and deported from Sweden if they sell sex[1]. In practice these women are being treated as criminals, not victims, although many of them have been trafficked. The authorities maintain that the deportations are justified on the grounds that prostitution is an activity that promotes and generates serious criminality, and therefore poses a threat to public order and security in Sweden.

• 1.Does the Commission take the view that it is compatible with EU law to deport EU citizens in these circumstances, and is this in line with EU rules on the right of residence?
• 2.Does the Commission take the view that Sweden’s actions are in line with the EU directive on the trafficking of human beings, and that the support and assistance provided to potential victims is sufficient?

Submitted: 2.5.2025

• [1] https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/Rzw6nW/polisen-laser-in-prostituerade-utgor-hot-mot-allman-ordning