EPP secures more and stronger rights for crime victims

This evening, the European Parliament and EU Member States agreed to an updated law on Victims’ Rights. It will make a real difference for 75 million Europeans who fall victim to serious crime every year. The deal comes at a time when Europe urgently needs stronger and more accessible rules that put victims first. 

Javier Zarzalejos MEP, who negotiated the law for Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), said the outcome represents a major step forward: “The new Directive is a major achievement that will raise protection standards across the European Union. It facilitates the reporting of crimes in order to prevent impunity, strengthens protection for the most vulnerable victims, mobilises additional resources, and reinforces victims’ rights and safeguards. This Directive clearly demonstrates the European Union’s relevance for its citizens.”

In Europe,  one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, and 78% of victims of intimate partner violence are women. Despite this, only 14% report the most serious incidents. These figures underline the nature of violence and the need for stronger, more accessible victim-centred protections across the Union - exactly what this Directive delivers.

Rosa Estarás Ferragut, EPP Group's negotiator in Women's rights committee, underlined the importance of the agreement for women, girls, persons with disabilities and vulnerable people, and stressed the link with the Directive to Combat violence against women, which the EPP Group successfully led through Parliament: “For too long, women, girls, people with disabilities and vulnerable people have faced additional barriers to reporting violence and accessing justice. The Directive to combat violence against women laid the foundation for stronger EU action. Together with this new Victims’ Rights Directive, we now have two pillars of protection that reinforce each other. This is Europe delivering real protection for those who need it most.”

The EPP Group made sure to secure several key improvements in this updated Directive. These include EU-wide helplines for victims, easier ways to report crime, comprehensive support and protection for victims, including shelters, stronger rules on legal assistance, and facilitated access to cross-border criminal proceedings. It also reinforces privacy protections for victims as well as their rights during trial.

With this agreement, the EPP Group underlines its commitment to ensuring that victims across Europe receive the protection and support they need. The final text now moves to formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council.