The directive which sets out minimum rights for victims, wherever they are in the EU will enter into force on 14 November. Member States now have three years to implement the provisions into their national laws.

The EU directive on minimum standards for victims wherever they are in the EU will enter into force from 14 November. The directive on victims' rights was adopted on 4 October by the Council of Ministers, after the European Parliament endorsed it with an overwhelming majority on 12 September. The European Commission proposed this new law in May 2011. Member States now have three years to implement the provisions into their national laws.

Viviane Reding, European Commission Vice-President and EU Justice Commissioner stressed that she expects to see Member States transposing this Directive as a matter of priority to address the needs of the millions of Europeans and their families who are victimised by crime every year. She also called on member states to swiftly bring their national legislation in line with the new EU directive so that all victims are treated with respect, are properly informed, and receive the right support.

The new EU Directive will ensure that, in all 27 EU countries, victims are treated with respect and police, prosecutors and judges are trained to properly deal with them; victims get information on their rights and their case in a way they understand; victim support exists in every Member State; victims can participate in proceedings if they want and are helped to attend the trial; vulnerable victims are identified – such as children, victims of rape, or those with disabilities – and are properly protected; victims are protected while police investigate the crime and during court proceedings.