Report from the European Commission assessing the extent to which the Member States have taken the necessary measures in order to comply with Directive 2011/93/EU of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography

Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children are particularly serious crimes. They cause long-term physical, psychological and social harm to vulnerable victims who have rights to as well as needs for special protection and care. In addition, child sexual abuse material, referred to in legislation as 'child pornography', represents multiple crimes against each victim. First, the sexual abuse which was photographed or recorded. Thereafter, every time the images and videos are posted, circulated or viewed, a gross violation of the child's privacy is committed. Trauma is added when the child knows that the images and videos are being circulated and friends or relatives may see them.

Directive 2011/93/EU of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography follows the holistic approach required to fight these crimes effectively, incorporating in a comprehensive legal instrument provisions covering investigation and prosecution of offences, assistance to and protection of victims, and prevention.

Article 27 of the Directive requires Member States to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive and communicate them to the Commission by 18 December 2013.

This report responds to the requirement under Article 28(1) of the Directive for the Commission to report to the European Parliament and the Council assessing the extent to which the Member States have taken the necessary measures in order to comply with the Directive. The report aims to provide a concise yet informative overview of the main transposition measures taken by Member States.