Brussels, 28/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 23 October, the EU Council recommended adoption of a common strategy for upholding the rights of crime victims in the Union. Ministers undertook to look at different ways to facilitate and improve the communication of information to victims, who should be informed of the role they can play in criminal proceedings, and using the official languages of the EU. Member states should also cooperate with the European Commission to provide and update information on victims' rights within relevant forums. The necessary information should be collected and analysed to assist the victims as far as possible. In future, the Commission may make legislative proposals but, in the meantime, European strategy in favour of victims of crime should be taken into account in the Stockholm programme. (B.C./transl.jl)