European ministers have backed Dutch efforts to force the European Commission to take action on child labour, news agency ANP reports on Monday.

ANP says the move, initiated by foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen, focuses on the ‘worst’ sorts of child labour – prostitution, slavery and child trafficking. Verhagen described the support of his EU colleagues as a ‘breakthrough’.
EU ministers want the Commission to look at ways of helping companies ensure their products are not made using child labour. They also want a commitment to eradicate child labour to be included in international treaties with countries where the practice is common.