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Adopted text, 21 May 2026

Rights, support and protection of victims of crime

Document TA-10-2026-0188 · P10_TA(2026)0188 · PE756.047

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Parliament's amended version of the proposed directive updates EU rules on victims' rights, support and protection, replacing the 2001 Framework Decision. It strengthens minimum standards for all victims of crime, including access to information, support services and protection measures.

Key points

  1. The directive amends Directive 2012/29/EU to set higher minimum standards for victims' rights, support and protection.
  2. It replaces Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, consolidating EU law on victims of crime.
  3. Member states must ensure victims receive timely and tailored information about their rights and available support.
  4. Victims have the right to access specialist support services, including psychological and emotional assistance.
  5. Protection measures must be available based on individual risk assessments, especially for vulnerable victims.
  6. The directive requires training for professionals who come into contact with victims to improve response and care.
  7. It mandates cooperation between member states to ensure victims' rights apply across borders.

Who is affected

  • Victims of crime in the EU, who gain stronger rights to information, support and protection.
  • Member states, which must implement the new minimum standards in national law.
  • Support services and professionals dealing with victims, who face new requirements.

Legal basis. Article 82(2), point (c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Written by AI from the full text · every figure comes from the text · ¶ opens the paragraph · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem

Full text

Text 18 paragraphs

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

European Parliament legislative resolution of 21 May 2026 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (COM(2023)0424 – C9-0303/2023 – 2023/0250(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2023)0424),

–having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 82(2), point (c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C90303/2023),

–having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 14 December 2023,

–having regard to the provisional agreement approved by the committees responsible under Rule 75(4) of its Rules of Procedure and the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 18 February 2026 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

–having regard to the joint deliberations of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality under Rule 59 of the Rules of Procedure,

–having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A9-0157/2024),

Read the rest (6 paragraphs)

1.Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2.Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3.Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

P10_TC1-COD(2023)0250

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 21 May 2026 with a view to the adoption of Directive (EU) 2026/… of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Directive (EU) 2026/1472.)