The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers reached a political agreement on a proposal by the European Commission for an EU-wide protection order. The agreement means women who have suffered domestic violence will be able to rely on a restraining order obtained in their home country wherever they are in the EU.

The European Commission's proposal adopted in May 2011 on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters as part of a package of measures to improve victims’ rights will become law after the political agreement reached by the Council and the European Parliament. The draft regulation will now pass to the European Parliament and the Council to be formally finalised.

The proposed Regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters as part of a package of measures to improve victims’ rights, and the Victims Directive – which sets out minimum rights for crime victims wherever they are in the EU – will also complement the European Protection Order of 13 December 2011, which ensures free circulation of criminal law protection measures throughout Europe. According to the Commission, the new agreement is a major step towards closing protection gaps for victims of domestic violence who want to exercise their right to free movement in the EU.

Minimum rules for victims are part of the EU's broader objective to build a European area of justice, so that people can rely on the same level of basic rights and have confidence in the justice system wherever they are in the EU. Up to 15% of the EU population may fall victim of a crime somewhere in the EU every year. The risk of being a victim is just as great when travelling abroad as it is at home.