Standing of Vulnerable Victims in Criminal Proceedings: Polish Regulations Vis-à-Vis EU Law

The aim of this article is to show the impact of the EU Victims’ Rights Directive on the Polish regulations. The main focus is placed on the concept of victim, the role of victims in criminal proceedings, and also individual assessment of crime victims’ needs. The findings of the analysis indicate that a set of victims’ rights adopted within the framework of the EU is largely reflected in Polish regulations, as a result of efforts made by the legislator to implement the EU Directive 29/2012. At the same time, we should remember the objectives of the “EU Strategy on Victims’ Rights (2020–2025)” and the proposed amendments to the EU Victims’ Rights Directive, which aim to serve a more effective use of their rights in accordance with the Union’s standards.