Victim Support Europe’s policy and advocacy team has been working tirelessly to further bring victims’ rights to the fore. Learn more about these advancements below!
The Inter-institutional State of Play on the VRD
Following the release of the European Parliament report in March 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted its position in June 2024. Progress on this legislative file was noted during the Council Justice and Home Affairs meetings on 10 – 11 October 2024 and the revision remains a priority for the Commission and Member States. Negotiations with the European Parliament are expected to start soon.
Meetings with Justice and Home Affairs Counsellors
In light of the ongoing VRD legislative train, VSE head office staff and board members had the chance to meet with Justice and Home Affairs Councillors (Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Estonia, Ireland, Spain) to discuss the country-specific priorities on the file, the challenges they envision in the implementation of the Directive, as well as to convene a dialogue on the most urgent needs of victims.
The meetings have focused on the promotion of a victim-centric approach in their stance on the revision and to positively influence the type and content of the amendments that will be maintained in the Directive.
MEP Briefing
Victim Support Europe has also prepared and shared a briefing with MEPs, containing several noteworthy points on the EU Victims’ Rights legislation.
VRD Statement Following the Adoption of the Council Position
On 13 June, the Council of the European Union adopted its position on the Commission’s proposal for a revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive. The European Parliament already published its negotiating mandate in April. More than twelve years after the adoption of the Victims’ Rights Directive, this was an opportunity for governments to stand in solidarity with all victims of crime.
Regrettably, with this Council position, States have shown little willingness to commit to enhancing victim rights. They have largely rejected or diluted the EU Commission’s proposals, turning obligations into mere options. This undermines the scope of the Victims’ Rights Directive, leaving diverse crime victims inadequately protected and potentially harmed by the systems meant to protect them and deliver justice.
CRAG Membership
In September 2024, VSE became a member of the Child Rights Action Group, which is the widest informal network reuniting several European NGOs advocating for improved policy and legislation on children’s rights. Together with CRAG partners, VSE is supporting efforts for the establishment of a European Parliament Intergroup on Children’s Rights, focusing on strengthening the rights of child victims.
CSA Briefing for MEPs
Victim Support Europe has recently published a briefing for Members of the European Parliament on the recast of the Child Sexual Abuse Directive (CSA). The document highlights the key amendments set forth so far by EU co-legislators, and stresses the urgent need for comprehensive, victim-centered policies to protect children and support survivors. It calls on MEPs to ensure a robust legal framework is established, which prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children, and reduces potential instances of further victimisation.
ECLAG Workshop
On September 25th, VSE’s Junior Policy Officer delivered an insightful intervention at the Joint European Commission & ECLAG Workshop on the Recast Directive on Child Sexual Abuse.
VSE’s intervention underscored the fundamental role of victim compensation, highlighting it as an official recognition for the victim’s suffering, and as a means to ensure offender accountability. Appropriate support systems are fundamental, to ensure that victims are better positioned to navigate the often-complicated process of claiming compensation.
CRAG Reception Event
On October 16th, VSE’s Executive Director participated in a reception organised by the Child Rights Action Group, hosted by MEP Hilde Vautmans. The aim of the event was to advocate for the re-establishment of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights, to continue making sure that children’s rights are on top of the EU’s agenda, raise awareness on issues affecting children, and advocate for legislative changes.
The event served as a good forum to connect with MEPs and civil society organisations advocating for the rights of the child, and to explore the importance of reinstating the Intergroup, acknowledging its potential influence on future policy development.
Stakeholder Consultation with MEP Isabel Serra
VSE participated on a stakeholder meeting organised by MEP Isabel Serra, in light of the ongoing recast of the Child Sexual Abuse Directive (CSA). The consultation brought together six EU child rights organisations to discuss their priorities for the revision of the Directive, voice their concerns and suggest policy recommendations on the file.
Roundtable on CSA with MEP Saskia Bricmont
VSE had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), organised by MEP Saskia Bricmont. The event brough together policymakers and child protection advocates, to address the ongoing state of the CSA Directive revision and explore key additions to be made in the text of the Directive, to enhance the protection of children and prevention of Child Sexual Abuse.
Olympics and Paralympics statement
During the Olympics Games summer period, VSE submitted letters to the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and to the International Paralympics Committee (IPC) inviting them both to draw their attention on the need to forge a world centred around respect to survivors of any crime, committing on forging a safe sporting environment – one that is fair, equitable and free from all forms of harassment and abuse.
Greens/EFA LIBE Members Networking and Strategic Meeting
On 16th October, Mr. Levent Altan participated in a strategic meeting hosted by MEP Saskia Bricmont with the Greens/EFA members of the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee. The meeting gathered key stakeholders and newly appointed MEPs to strengthen relationships and discuss shared priorities, including internal security, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and asylum and migration. Mr. Altan emphasized the importance of revising the Victims’ Rights Directive (VRD) and the Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Directive, advocating for closer collaboration on these key issues.
