The revised Victims’ Rights Directive has been formally adopted by the Council of the European Union on 8 June 2026, following its approval by the European Parliament on 21 May 2026. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening victims’ rights across the European Union, reinforcing access to information, support, protection and justice for victims of crime. The revised Directive introduces a range of measures aimed at ensuring a more victim-centred approach and enhancing cooperation in cross-border cases.
Of particular relevance to the European Judicial Network (EJN) and Eurojust is the new Article 17(4), which provides for competent authorities to request assistance from Eurojust and the EJN and to share information with them to facilitate judicial cooperation in cross-border cases.
New paragraph 4 of Article 17 (4):
"Member States shall ensure that the competent authorities can request assistance from Eurojust in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 of the European Parliament and of the Council and from the European Judicial Network set up by Council Decision 2008/976/JHA, and can transmit to Eurojust and the European Judicial Network information for the purpose of facilitating cooperation with the competent authorities of other Member States in cross-border cases, in accordance with the mandates of Eurojust and the European Judicial Network."
The Directive is expected to be published in the Official Journal in July 2026 and will enter into force 20 days after publication. Member States will have 24 months to transpose its provisions into national law, with additional time foreseen for certain provisions under Article 26(b).
Looking ahead, the European Commission is also preparing a new EU Strategy on Victims’ Rights, with a public consultation expected to be launched in the coming weeks.