At the beginning of 2016, the French Government set up a state secretariat for victim assistance in the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks. It reports directly to the Prime Minister and aims to improve the situation of the victims of terrorist attacks, acts of violence and large-scale disasters.

State Secretary Méadel travelled to Germany to discuss victim assistance activities in France and Germany and to express her solidarity with the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred in the two countries in the past two years.

The two German Government representatives and their French counterpart agreed that it was important to both countries to reinforce the assistance offered to the victims immediately in the aftermath of the traumatic situation and in the long-run. To this end, international cooperation and international exchange were essential.

On 9 January 2017, State Secretary Méadel had hosted a major international conference on victim assistance in Paris, which was also attended by representatives of the two German ministries. State Secretary Méadel presented the initiative developed at the conference, which is to meet at EU level in Brussels on 10 March. State Secretary Fahimi said that Germany would be glad to attend the meeting and would be ready to contribute to joint initiatives at the EU level. Both sides agreed to continue Franco-German cooperation, including at EU level. Regarding this kind of cooperation, State Secretary Fahimi stated: It is a worthwhile effort to continue the dialogue with France on improving benefits for victims.