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Adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive and call for evidence on EU strategy on victims’ rights

The Council of the European Union has formally approved a new directive strengthening the rights of victims of crime across the EU. The updated law improves access to information, support, and protection by introducing an EU-wide victim support helpline (116 006), making it easier to report crimes through digital tools, strengthening safeguards for victims’ personal data, expanding child-friendly support services, improving access to legal aid, and helping ensure that victims receive compensation more quickly.

This directive updates the 2012 EU Victims’ Rights Directive and aims to ensure that victims receive more consistent and effective support across all Member States. Following its publication in the Official Journal, Member States will have 24 months to transpose the new rules into national law. For more information, see the Council of the European Union’s press release: Council greenlights law reinforcing protection of victims’ rights and check out the revised Victims’ Rights.

Call for evidence

The EU strategy on victims’ rights aims to consolidate the EU framework for protecting victims of crime, ensuring that victims’ rights are not only protected in law but also effectively respected in practice across all Member States. It will build on the achievements of the 2020 – 2025 strategy and address new emerging threats. It will complement with non-legislative measures the EU legal framework on victims’ rights.

Feedback period: 07 August 2026 – 04 September 2026  (midnight Brussels time)

The Commission would like to hear your views. Click here to give your feedback

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