site.btaEU Justice Ministers Push for More Flexibility in Compensation for Crime Victims

The Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council of the European Union has reached political agreement (common approach) on a new regulation on transfer of proceedings in criminal matters. Monday’s meeting in Brussels was attended by Justice Minister Atanas Slavov, the press centre of the Ministry of Justice said.

The proposal aims to prevent unnecessary parallel proceedings and to contribute to the efficient and proper administration of criminal justice in the member states.

Ministers also held a policy debate on amending the Victims' Rights Directive. The update of this directive will strengthen minimum rules to ensure that victims of crime receive support, access to information, participation in criminal proceedings, and compensation. Ministers called for greater flexibility in compensation schemes for victims of crime and an integrated approach for child victims, tailoring protection and support to their specific needs, with the possibility of temporary accommodation in a protected environment. 

Minister Slavov said that Bulgaria supports efforts to strengthen the rights of victims of crime and to create all the necessary conditions for their more effective exercise.