Brussels, 14/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Victims of crime who benefit from protection in a given EU member state, should also be protected when they go to another European country, in compliance with the “European protection decision” adopted on Tuesday by the European Parliament by 610 votes in favour, 13 against, with 56 abstentions. The compromise text, approved by MEPs and representatives from the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, received the support of all the European Parliament but still requires approval by a qualified majority of member states at the Council. Carmen Romero López (S&D, Spain), the rapporteur on the project declared: “Today's vote is a strong message to the Council: it is right now that it has to assume its responsibilities”. If the directive is adopted, member states will have three years to transpose it. (B.C./transl.fl)