On 20 February 2026, on the occasion of the European Day for Victims of Crime, the Press Club Brussels Europe held a symposium by Victim Support Europe as part of its 2026 campaign, “116006 Helpline: One Number. One Standard. Equal Support for Every Victim.” The event took place in the context of the provisional adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive, marking a significant milestone for victims’ rights across the European Union.
The symposium focused in particular on the commitment to establish the 116 006 Victims’ Helpline in all EU Member States. Participants reflected on progress achieved, remaining challenges, and the importance of ensuring that every victim can access support through a single, harmonised number. The 116 006 Helpline Pledge was also highlighted, inviting professionals, organisations and citizens to demonstrate their support for equal and high-quality assistance to victims throughout Europe.
The programme combined personal testimonies from helpline users with discussions on operational practices, minimum standards, technological solutions and future developments. Representatives of Victim Support Europe and partner organisations addressed the need for coordinated action to guarantee accessible, consistent and high-quality victim support services across the EU.