EU Passes New Rules for Crime Victim Support

Why this is here: The European Parliament endorsed the new rules with 440 votes in favor, demonstrating broad support for strengthening victim protections.

The European Parliament approved new rules in Riga, Latvia to strengthen support for crime victims across the European Union. Members of the European Parliament voted 440 to 49 with 84 abstentions to modernize legal protections for those impacted by crime.

The updated framework focuses on improving victims’ rights during legal proceedings. These rights include access to information, emotional support at courts, and privacy from offenders. Victims with limited financial resources may now receive legal aid throughout the trial, and compensation payments should happen more quickly.

The new rules also call for easily accessible helplines. These will offer information and support online, through apps, and via the EU-wide 116 006 phone number.

People held in facilities—like non-EU citizens navigating immigration or those in institutional care—will receive support as well. The directive still requires formal approval by the Council and publication before member states implement it within two years.