NCJ Number
190697
Date Published
2001
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This Green Paper launches a consultation with all interested parties on possible measures to be taken at the European Community level to improve state compensation to crime victims in the European Union.
Abstract
The paper discusses what European norms are relevant to state compensation to crime victims at the Community level, as well as the possibilities for state compensation to crime victims that currently exist in the European Union. Also addressed in the paper are the scope and need for action at the Community level, based on what currently exists in the European Union. Other issues considered are the strengthening of the possibilities for crime victims to receive state compensation through a Community initiative, as well as the facilitation of the access for crime victims to state compensation in cross-border situations. The paper concluded that this overview of state compensation schemes in the Member States of the European Union and the consideration of possible measures at the Community level, with a focus on cross-border situations, confirmed that a Community initiative on compensation to crime victims could be useful. Although the establishment of a common minimum standard for state compensation to crime victims would pose some difficulties, its value would be worth the effort. In relation to most of the criteria that could be included in a minimum standard, cross-border situations were relevant for the assessment of various solutions. Active participation of all interested parties in the consultation on this Green Paper is vital in order to make substantial progress in this field.