VSE’s Annual Conference 2025 Report
Victims Support Europe (VSE)’s 2025 annual conference took place on 22nd & 23rd May in Lisbon, Portugal. The hybrid conference, “35 Years of Victim Support in Europe – Transforming Lives Today, Inspiring a Brighter Tomorrow” took place in the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and digitally.
Victim Support Europe, alongside the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) celebrated their 35th anniversary. This event provided not only a place for celebration but also of reflection to think of the growth and progresses achieved through out more than three decades in victim support. Our programme aligns with the current political climate in post-election Europe and is guided by the Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission, with a particular focus on youth.
The conference leverages the momentum of 2025, a year that holds significant historical importance for victims’ rights within the European Union (EU). Key milestones include:
- – 40th Anniversary of the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (adopted on 29th November 1985 by the General Assembly), which established the foundational principles for the protection and support of victims.
– 25th Anniversary of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to fundamental freedoms.
– 5th Anniversary of the EU’s First Strategy on Victims’ Rights (2020-2025), marking a pivotal moment for assessing progress and refining policy implementation.
-Reform of the Victims’ Rights Directive, highlighting ongoing legislative efforts to ensure comprehensive protection for victims across the EU.
239 people attended the conference, accompanied by 18 online participants. The event featured over 25 speakers from various fields, addressing themes centred around the conference topic.
The report summarizes the event’s plenary sessions, side events and blitz talks, where you’ll be able to learn what specialists had to say about the future of victim’s rights. The report also includes information about the social events, sponsors and feedback from the attendees.
Read the report here
