EU takes actions to improve victim's rights

The European Commission (EC) said on Friday that it is taking actions to make sure that victims of crime can rely on their rights under EU law in practice. The landmark new rules on minimum rights for victims' across the EU were adopted on 25 October 2012. The EU's Member States have until 16 November 2015 to implement the European provisions in their national laws, and the Commission has today issued guidance to assist them in this process. The latest guidance includes clarification on what various rights included in the directive mean in practice. For example, the right to information means victims should receive information about their rights from the first contact with the police or courts. Member States should therefore ensure that police, prosecution, judiciary, social services and support services cooperate closely to ensure an updated flow of information for victims, for example using electronic systems. "The victims' rights directive is an important new piece of European law and one of which our Union can be most proud, "said EC Vice-President Viviane Reding, who is also the EU's Justice Commissioner. "With 75 million people falling victim to crime across the European Union every year, the improved rights we have agreed in EU law will make sure each and every one is entitled to improved protection, information and support." The Commission is also holding a workshop with experts in Brussels on 28 March to further assist EU countries with timely implementation of the victims' rights' directive. The EU directive on minimum standards for victims was tabled by the Commission in May 2011. It was adopted on 4 October 2012 by the Council of the EU following a plenary vote in the European Parliament.