Following the #VSEAC2026, Revised VRD is approved by the Council of the European Union
Victim Support Europe (VSE) welcomes the formal adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive (VRD),following the latest approval by the Council, bringing the legislative process to its successful conclusion. The revised Directive signals an important step forward for victim’s rights across the European Union.
The news of the revised Directive came immediately after victim support professionals, policy makers, and advocates gathered at Victim Support Europe’s Annual Conference, “Frontliners. Functional. Funded. Future-Ready.” The conference coincided with the finalisation of the interinstitutional endorsement, marking a symbolic moment of VSE’s engagement and support to the legislative process.
Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection opened the conference with a video message prior to the formal confirmation of the adoption, stating:
”It is my great pleasure to open this year's Victim Support Europe Conference, a gathering that could not come at a more critical moment for victims’ rights across our European Union. After years of intensive collaboration and advocacy, we are now reaping the rewards of our collective efforts. The revised Victims Rights Directive stands ready for adoption, marking a historic shift not merely from minimum standards, but toward tangible, life changing protections for society's most vulnerable.
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Michal McGrathEU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection
The revised Directive strengthens access to information, support, protection, and participation in criminal proceedings, while introducing measures such as the EU-wide victims’ helplines, improved reporting mechanisms, stronger privacy safeguards, enhanced cross-border protections, and greater support for victims with specific needs.
The formal adoption of the revised VRD reflects years of sustained engagement by civil society organisations, practitioners, policymakers, and EU institutions committed to building a more victim-centred justice system. VSE is proud to have contributed to this process and to the development of measures that will make a tangible difference in the lives of victims across Europe; and will make rights tangible; from theory into a reality.
The timing of the announcement spotlights the collective effort behind this achievement and the important role that victim support services, justice professionals, and policy makers will play in bringing these strengthened rights into practice across Europe. Commissioner McGrath stated:
”I want to recognise that in all of this, your expertise is indispensable. Victims Support Europe and its members are not just stakeholders. You are a driving force behind progress. Your insights, your challenges and your innovations will, without question, help guide our way forward.
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Michal McGrathEU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection
Tommaso Chiamparino, the European Commission Coordinator for Victims’ Rights, also spoke on his anticipation of the revision’s formal adoption. His speech set an inspiring mood for the two days of conference, stating, “We are entering a new era for victims’ rights.” As he looked to the future, sharing his insight about the next steps, he shared:
”I believe that the role of victim support organisations will be crucial in this next phase; crucial because you have your ears to the ground, and can support lawmakers at the national level. Implementation becomes central once the new rules are in place.
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Tommaso ChiamparinoEuropean Commission Coordinator for Victims’ Rights
Victim Support Europe remains committed to working alongside Member States, victim support organisations and practitioners to turn strengthened rights into meaningful change. The next chapter begins with implementation; ensuring that rights on paper become rights in practice and deliver a tangible difference in the lives of victims across Europe.
