EU Extends Limits on Child Sexual Abuse Prosecutions, Drops Imprescriptibility

Europarliamentarians and EU member states reached an agreement to lengthen the statutes of limitations for crimes involving sexual violence against minors. The new rules set a maximum of 32 years after a victim reaches adulthood for cases of rape or prostitution of minors, and 10‑15 years for other offenses. The compromise also creates new criminal offences, including live streaming of sexual violence against children, sexual blackmail, grooming, and the possession or distribution of AI‑generated child sexual abuse material, punishable by up to two years in prison. EU interior commissioner Magnus Brunner welcomed the measures, saying they better protect children in today’s digital environment. The deal now awaits formal approval by all 27 member states and the European Parliament.