In July 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the Victims’ Rights Directive. The revision is accompanied by an impact assessment following an extensive consultation process and an evaluation of the Directive. The revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive addresses problems identified in the evaluation. The amendments concern five main victims’ rights: access to information, improved support and protection, improved participation in criminal proceedings and facilitated access to compensation.

Eurojust contributed to the evaluation exercise by participating in an interview and providing its expertise in a dedicated report published in February 2022. The report is based on the Agency’s casework and identifies challenges faced by practitioners and best practices to overcome them. During the revision process, Eurojust advocated for the recognition and strengthening of its operational role in the protection of victims’ rights. The aim of the proposed amendment is to promote the referral of information to Eurojust in cases where victims’ rights are at stake within the context of judicial cooperation. This information may, where appropriate, be shared by judicial national authorities with Eurojust, as per the Agency’s Regulation.

If adopted, the amendment will encourage Member States to refer to Eurojust cases in which victims’ rights are identified as warranting specific coordination at judicial level. Eurojust calls on national authorities to refer cases involving victims to the Agency at an early stage to minimise the cross-border risks associated with such cases.

During 2023, the Agency continued to participate in the EU Victims’ Rights Platform and exchange best practices and promote cooperation with the European Commission Coordinator for Victims’ Rights and the European Network on Victims’ Rights. In particular, the Agency participated in the annual conference of the European Network on Victims’ Rights in May 2023 and attended two online meetings of the EU Victims’ Rights Platform dedicated to child victims in May 2023 and to victims of war crimes in July 2023.