Implementing Anti-Sex Trafficking Policies in Central and Eastern Europe: A Case of Europeanization?

This thesis looks at how NGOs and the EU influence anti-sex trafficking policies in Eastern Europe. It questions whether and how NGOs interact with the EU to assist in the socialization of the anti-sex trafficking norm into domestic policies, and/or whether the norm socialization process can be equated with the process of Europeanization occurring within the policy-making process. Essentially, the thesis looks at the degree to which NGOs matter and the EU matters for governments to make policy changes. Thus far, the study has discovered that the NGO and EU relationship remain rather separate and that these two main actors influence the governments separately. There is a level of social learning that is taking place at the state institutional level; however, the EU's interaction with these governments seems more incentive-based. This thesis also uses a gender studies approach by looking at issues of patriarchy within the state-building process and institutional system, and understanding if and how NGOs translate the anti-sex trafficking norm effectively to reflect a victim-centered and women's rights based approach. The thesis consists of three case studies that also reflect certain types of relationships with the EU. Bosnia and Serbia are potential EU candidates that have a strong EU relationship, strong NGO involvement, and strong policies. Whereas Moldova still has a relationship with the EU, but is not a potential candidate, NGO involvement is through internationally-based organizations, and the policies are weakly implemented. The thesis aims to understand the reasons for these issues, and understand the role that NGOs and the EU play in the process.