The European Commission proposed minimum standards for helping victims of crime across Europe

The European Commission proposed minimum standards for helping victims of crime across Europe on Wednesday, saying justice systems in many countries focus on pursuing criminals and sometimes neglect their victims.

The 27-nation European Union's executive wants to ensure that during investigations and trials, victims can expect certain basic standards, such as clear information and special protection for children and those suffering domestic violence.

Levels of assistance for victims of crimes ranging from mugging to human trafficking differ, creating confusion among EU and non-EU citizens about their rights in member states other than their home country, the EU executive said in a statement.

More than 15 percent of European Union citizens are victims of crime in the bloc each year -- many while on one of 1.25 billion trips Europeans make as tourists within the bloc.

'This directive will mean that you can rely on getting help whoever you are, wherever you go, whatever your country of origin and whatever the country where you stay,' EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding told a news briefing.

'Those basic rights will create confidence in the justice systems all over Europe.'

The proposal fits within the Commission's broader objective of creating an EU-wide justice area.

It has also proposed a regulation on mutual recognition of civil law protection measures, so victims of domestic violence, for example, could continue to rely on restraint orders if they travel or move to another EU state.

Crime victims are entitled to compensation under EU law and the Commission said it would see if this should be strengthened.

Reding cited Britain as a model, saying victims there used its support system more than happens in other EU member states.

'That shows that the victims have confidence and that there is someone that will help them,' she said, praising Britain's strong protection measures, and its specialised training for judges, prosecutors and police.

Spain, on the other hand, has a very low rate of victims seeking help from the state support system, illustrating its weakness, Reding said.

The proposals will now go to member states and the European Parliament for consideration.