On May 13, 2025, the Civil Liberties Committee approved legislative amendments aimed at enhancing the ability of EU countries to combat child sexual abuse. The updated proposal seeks to refine EU-wide definitions of crimes associated with child sexual abuse (CSA) and adapt them to new technological advancements. This initiative aims to bolster cooperation among national authorities in investigations, prosecutions, and victim support.
The amendments propose increased maximum penalties for several CSA offenses, including non-consensual sexual activities with children above the age of consent. Other offenses include recruiting children for exploitation in prostitution, possessing or distributing CSA material, and offering remuneration for certain CSA crimes. Additionally, MEPs advocate for abolishing limitation periods for these crimes due to victims often coming forward long after the offense occurs. They also propose indefinite compensation rights for victims.
To address technological developments, MEPs seek to criminalize the use of artificial intelligence systems designed primarily for CSA crimes. Provisions are also endorsed regarding the livestreaming and online dissemination of related material. To enhance investigation effectiveness, undercover operations and covert surveillance methods like “honeypots” are being considered.
A new definition of consent is proposed specifically for children above the age of sexual consent. The proposal argues against criminalizing consensual interactions between peers unless there is an abuse of trust or dependency. Pretending to be a peer would be a punishable aggravating circumstance.
Child victim support should be free and encompass medical examinations, evidence documentation assistance, gender-sensitive care, and access to reproductive healthcare following the Barnahus model where services are centralized under one roof. Reporting mechanisms should be adequately funded and user-friendly while allowing third parties such as civil society organizations to report crimes.
Rapporteur Jeroen Lenaers (EPP, Netherlands) emphasized: “We need to make sure our laws to fight child sexual abuse are up to date and that we criminalise new phenomena… We owe it to victims to support them properly through the legal process and ensure that justice is done.”
The draft position was adopted by 57 votes in favor with none against or abstentions. Parliament will debate this position during its June session before negotiations with Council on finalizing the law can commence.
The recast directive aims at harmonizing definitions and punishments across EU countries concerning both online and offline CSA activities. A separate regulation on child sexual abuse material is under discussion; legislative talks will begin once Council reaches a common stance.
