Compensation of victims of crime in the European Union

In the European Union (EU), victims of crime may obtain compensation for the injuries and/or damages suffered, regardless of the EU territory in which the crime was committed.

The applicable EU legal instrument is the Council Directive 2004/80/EC, of 29 April 2004, on the compensation of victims of crime, which establishes a system of cooperation between national authorities to assist victims of violent intentional crimes in accessing compensation in cross-border cases.

Each country has its own legislation governing the system for granting such compensation.

You can find more information at the following links:

• Compensation

• If my claim is to be considered in this country

• If my claim is to be sent from this country to another EU country

Search for an Assistance Authority:

• General information 1

• General information 2

Form to be completed by the Assistance Authority:

• Form for the transmission of an application for compensation in cross-border situations