Brussels, 26/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - The initiative to create a directive on a European victim protection order has met with opposition from a number of member states. The proposal, of a criminal legal nature, consists of improving the protection given to the victims of a crime, particularly domestic violence, when they go to another member state of the EU (EUROPE 10064). "The draft has encountered technical difficulties, on which we are continuing our work", explained Spanish Justice Minister Francisco Caamaño Domínguez, who added that he hoped to reach an agreement under his Presidency. However, this objective seems highly unlikely. Several delegations argue that the proposal raises a number of major legal issues, as the legislative systems of certain countries (Luxembourg, Germany, Austria) deal with preventative measures for the protection of victims under civil, not criminal, procedures. "If the text is applied in full, the danger is that violent spouses governed by a measure of a civil nature in one country could end up in prison if they go to another country", said Luxembourg Justice Minister François Biltgen. An agreement will "not be easy", warned European Commissioner for Justice Viviane Reding. "I welcome the willingness of the ministers to make progress, but we must avoid all confusion regarding legal certainty", she said, calling for work to continue, particularly with the forthcoming Belgian Presidency, to seek a viable solution. However, the commissioner announced at the same time that early next year, she would present a "complete and legally stable" proposal in favour of victim protection in the broadest sense of the term. Behind the scenes, diplomats have hinted that the commissioner is against the initiative of the 13 member states. (B.C./transl.fl)