The Irish Presidency today secured agreement with the European Parliament,
on behalf of EU member states, on improving the protection of victims of
domestic violence across Europe.
Under Ireland’s Presidency, final discussions were held between the
European Parliament and the Council of Ministers in Brussels today to reach
agreement on the Regulation for a European Protection Order (Civil Law).
The Regulation, which forms part of a legislative package aimed at
strengthening the rights of victims in the EU, will ensure that a civil
protection order, such as a barring order for domestic violence, can still
be enforced if the victim travels, or moves, from one EU Member State to
another.
Welcoming the agreement Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Equality and
Defence, Alan Shatter said “The importance of these proposals cannot be
overstated for the victims in need of the protection provided by such
orders. It will enable victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable
persons to have continuity of protection under the law when they move
between Member States, making travel and even relocating to another Member
State, a reality for many victims for the first time.”
Following the successful negotiations with the European Parliament, the
proposed agreement will be presented to member state Ambassadors for their
approval and to the Justice and Home Affairs Council, chaired by Minister
Shatter, which will take place in Brussels on 7-8 March.