The European Commission has stepped up infringement proceedings against Malta for failing to transpose a directive on victims' rights, giving Malta a two-month ultimatum to do so. In a reasoned opinion published on Thursday, the commission said that Malta had not yet addressed its concerns and had not yet implemented several provisions of the Victims’ Rights Directive such as the right to be informed about both the victims' rights and the case, or the right to support and protection. The infringement procedure was started in July 2019 with a letter of formal notice. The directive applies to victims of all crime regardless of their nationality and regardless of where in the EU the crime happens. The rules give victims clear rights to access information, to participate in criminal proceedings and to receive support and protection adapted to their needs. This also includes additional protection for vulnerable victims during criminal proceedings.