This thesis argues that the EU's anti-human trafficking policies have been a failure. The problem of human trafficking can only be effectively addressed at the supranational level. I demonstrate in this study that the garbage can model of institutional choice provides the best explanation for the failure of EU policy. This is demonstrated through a critical assessment EU decision making and policy formation in justice and home affairs, as well as an examination of the outcomes of anti-trafficking policy. The dominant normative approaches to human trafficking do not adequately describe the failure of EU policy. The garbage can model is explained as a result of conditions of organized anarchy within the EU in general and the third pillar in particular. The major finding of this thesis is that in order to combat human trafficking more effectively he EU must redesign its decision making style in justice and home affairs.