In its annual Trafficking in Persons Report the US Department of State said that Bulgaria had made 'significant efforts' to comply with international standards for efficient human trafficking combat.

The report stated that the country was actively working on human trafficking prevention. The first steps were made in 2004 when the Cabinet started implementing anti-trafficking and witness protection legislation. The government's strategy is executed by a specially created national commission in co-operation with non-governmental organisations.

Human trafficking prevention measures also include raising the public awareness, providing educational and psychological services.

Despite the positive tendencies, Bulgaria remains a transit country and 'to a lesser extent' a country of origin of human trafficking. Most victims are women forced into prostitution and Roma children.

The report recommended establishing local anti-trafficking commissions and organising an exhaustive database, differentiating the human trafficking statistics from the smuggling data.

According to the report, Bulgaria should work harder on prosecution. The report said that the country should 'pro-actively demonstrate' its will to fight human trafficking by 'vigorous' prosecutions.