The European Commission (EC) is proposing a package of measures to ensure a minimum level of rights, support and protection for victims of crime across the EU, no matter where they come from or live.

As part of this package, and to help protect victims of violence from any further harm by their attacker, the Commission is proposing a Regulation on mutual recognition of civil law protection measures.

This Regulation will help ensure that victims of violence (most often victims of different forms of domestic violence and stalking) who benefit from a restraining, barring or other protection order in their home country will continue to be protected when moving or travelling to another EU country. Such protection should be awarded through a simple certificate, without the victim having to go through additional procedures in the new country to get the same protection.

These proposals will now go forward to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for approval under the normal legislative procedure.