In 2021, Eurojust supported more than 10 000 criminal investigations, helping to deliver justice to almost 100 000 victims of all forms of serious, cross-border crime.

7.1. The challenges

Cross-border investigations serve to bring justice to victims of crime by bringing the perpetrators to court. However, safeguarding victims’ rights can be particularly challenging in complex cross-border cases as, for example, the number of victims can be numerous. It is therefore necessary to carefully consider both victims’ procedural role as witnesses, as well as the differences in national legal systems. Further difficulties range from identifying victims to organising their participation in different trials without running the risk of secondary victimisation. These challenges can potentially undermine the right to restitution and compensation.