Brussels, 23/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - Spanish Justice Minister Francisco Caamaño Domínguez announced on Friday 23 April that, after a lively debate among his colleagues, the EU would continue to work on an inter-governmental initiative on the European protection decision. Although the text submitted was not put to the vote, there was general consensus on the compromise put forward by the Presidency. The aim of this directive is to facilitate and improve protection given to victims and potential victims of crime - including marital violence - when they move from one EU member state to another. One of the matters pending is that of scope. The legal basis of the initiative is in criminal law, when some member states use civil measures to protect victims. A multi-phased approach has been proposed by the Presidency: a request for a European protection decision is made in the state of issue; the host state recognises the European protection decision and will be required to implement it with the adoption of a decision under its national legislation so that the protection of the person can continue. This latter decision will have to comply with procedural safeguards. With this compromise, provisions could be extended to the countries, such as Luxembourg, which have a range of civil prevention instruments. At this moment, some 15 member states back the Presidency proposal. The Commission, however, is not on the same wavelength. “This law is not ready, s full of contradictions. It is a law which, ultimately, will victimise victims because they will not be able to be helped,” said Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, who threatened to refer the matter to the EU Court of Justice were the Presidency proposal to be adopted. (B.C./transl.rt)