EU Parliament adopts strengthened victims' rights directive

The European Parliament voted 440 in favour, 49 against and 84 abstentions to approve a revised EU Victims’ Rights Directive, modernising support and protection for crime victims across the Union. The new rules introduce a right to privacy, legal aid throughout trials, faster compensation, and EU‑wide helplines (116 006) with online and app‑based reporting. They also expand services for vulnerable groups, including sexual‑violence victims who will now have guaranteed access to healthcare such as emergency contraception, post‑exposure prophylaxis and, where national law permits, abortion. Child victims are to receive child‑friendly assistance, and measures protect LGBTIQ+ individuals and irregular migrants.

Co‑rapporteur Lucia Yar called the text “real progress”, while S&D shadow rapporteur Alessandro Zan highlighted that the directive now explicitly mentions safe, legal abortion for victims of sexual violence. The proposal estimates that 70‑75 million people in the EU fall victim to crime each year. The legislation still requires formal adoption by the Council before it is published and member states will have two years to implement it.