Brussels | Victim Support Europe (VSE) welcomes the adoption of the revised EU Victims’ Rights Directive. The revised Directive strengthens the European Union’s move towards a more victim-centred system, where accountability for crime is matched by the protection of victims’ dignity and their right to recovery, free from secondary victimisation. It reflects a deeper understanding of the realities victims face and delivers strengthened rights in meaningful ways, the result of years of sustained engagement by civil society, practitioners, and victims themselves. As Victim Support Europe, we are proud to have contributed to a text that will make a tangible difference in the lives of victims across the European Union.
Important improvements for victims’ rights
The new Directive introduces a comprehensive set of reforms designed to improve access to justice, support, and protection for victims of crime across the EU. Among the most important developments are:
- EU-wide victims’ helplines – member states will be required to establish the dedicated 116 006 victims’ helpline, providing immediate information, emotional support, and referral to specialist services.
- Simplified and more accessible reporting mechanisms – in an attempt to reduce underreporting and support earlier interventions, the revised Directive introduces new tools to allow for digital reporting, as well as third-party reporting.
- Privacy by default provisions– this new principle enshrined within the Directive aims to ensure that victims’ personal data is protected throughout criminal proceedings, and cannot be accessed except where strictly necessary to guarantee the rights of defence.
- Stronger victims’ participation rights in criminal proceedings – victims will have improved rights to receive information about their case, including developments related to offenders, and clearer rights to judicial review of decisions taken during criminal proceedings, including compensation-related decisions.
- Improved cross-border protections – new measures will strengthen support and procedural safeguards for victims participating in criminal proceedings in cross-border situations within the EU.
- Better coordination and training – the agreement strengthens training obligations for police officers, judges, prosecutors, and frontline professionals, while promoting stronger coordination between services supporting victims.
The revised Directive draws attention to establishing higher standards of protection for vulnerable groups of victims. The new rules also reinforce the provision of specialised support for victims of sexual violence and for children. Also, the revised directive updates the current standards on information, support and protection for victims of criminal offences in the EU; access to legal aid and compensation will be improved.
Looking Ahead: Implementation
Following the formal adoption of the Directive, Member States will now need to transpose its provisions into national law within the agreed timeframe. What matters most next is ensuring that the commitments made on paper translate into real, tangible improvements in the lives of victims across Europe.
Victim Support Europe stands ready to support Member States, victim support organisations and practitioners throughout this next phase. We will continue working alongside all partners to help turn these standards into everyday practice, so that no victim is left without the support they need and deserve. This aligns with our Strategic Objective on facilitating implementation of victims’ laws and operationalising rights, as well as with recommending solutions for access to high-quality services.
Above all, we remain committed to a Europe where every victim – regardless of their circumstances, where they live, or the harm they have suffered – can access high-quality support, be treated with dignity, and see their rights fully respected in practice, not just in principle.
For further information, please contact VSE’s policy team: e.antonopoulos@victimsupporteurope.eu, a.hanrahan@victimsupporteurope.eu, p.peraltaagusti@victimsupporteurope.eu, policyassistant@victimsupporteurope.eu
For further information about the decision you can consult the European Parliament Press Realease
Picture courtesy of: Fred MARVAUX © European Union 2026 – Source : EP
