The European Union has agreed to strengthen protections for crime victims after negotiators for member states and the European Parliament reached a deal on updated minimum standards, the institutions said on Wednesday.

The informal agreement will now go to the parliament and EU governments for formal approval, which is expected to be a formality.

The revised directive requires countries to make support services more accessible. All member states will need to provide an easily reachable telephone hotline offering emotional support and advice under the number 116 006.

The rules also aim to bolster victims’ rights during criminal proceedings, including access to information and emotional support in court. Under certain conditions, people without sufficient means will be eligible for legal aid. Compensation procedures for damages owed by offenders are meant to be sped up as well.

Victims considered particularly vulnerable, including in cases of sexual violence, will be entitled to specialized assistance. Depending on national legislation, this may include emergency contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections and access to abortion services.

The directive also seeks to make reporting crimes easier, for example through digital tools or from institutions such as prisons and care homes.