Brussels, 01/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Victims of crime who enjoy protection in one member state of the EU should also be protected when they travel to another European country. On 29 November, the committees on civil liberties (LIBE) and women's rights (FEMM) of the EP gave their agreement, by 47 votes in favour, 0 against and 5 abstentions, to the decision on European protection. The MEPs also voted in favour of extending the scope of application of the new decision on European protection to include all victims of crime. The two committees gave their support to this measure following an agreement concluded with representatives of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Even so, the agreement has still to be ratified by the whole of the Council and put to the vote by the Parliament at its December plenary session in Strasbourg. If the directive is adopted, the member states will have three years to transpose it into national law. (B.C./transl.fl)