The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, the two legislative bodies of the community, have reached a political agreement on new rules that will strengthen the investigation and prosecution of crimes against the environment in the European Union.
The forthcoming legislation will establish minimum standards for how environmental crimes are defined and punished, replacing the outdated 2008 directive. In its statement, the Council noted that environmental law within the Union has continued to evolve, prompting the need for clearer definitions and stronger enforcement tools.
The agreement will introduce a clearer framework for environmental crimes and add new categories, while harmonizing penalties across all EU Member States for both natural persons and, for the first time, legal entities.
The Council and the European Parliament agreed to expand the scope of crimes currently recognized under EU criminal law from nine to eighteen, broadening the protection of natural resources and ecosystems.
Key additions include crimes such as timber smuggling, a major driver of deforestation in several regions, illegal recycling of hazardous components from ships, and serious breaches of chemicals legislation.
There is also a new “qualified violation” clause for intentional acts that cause destruction or significant, irreversible harm. These violations will be judged on their impact on habitats, air, soil, or water quality in protected areas or in locations of important environmental value.
harsher penalties
In addition, penalties will be increased. For natural persons, intentional crimes resulting in the death of any person will carry a minimum sentence of ten years in prison.
Qualified crimes with catastrophic consequences will carry at least eight years in prison, while crimes committed with gross negligence that cause death will face a minimum of five years; some scenarios may require at least three years for other intentional offenses.
For legal entities, the most serious offenses may incur a fine of no less than 5% of total worldwide turnover or a maximum of €40 million, whichever is greater.
Other violations can attract a maximum fine of at least 3% of worldwide turnover or up to €24 million, depending on the gravity and circumstances of the case.
Additional measures may require offenders to repair environmental damage or compensate for losses. There is also the possibility of restricting public funding or revoking permits and entitlements tied to the offender.
Guarantee training for prosecutors and police
Member States will be required to ensure that personnel involved in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting environmental crimes receive appropriate training. Authorities, including judges, prosecutors, and police officers, must have access to adequate resources to enforce the rules effectively.
The agreement calls for formal approval by the relevant EU institutions before embarking on the official adoption process.
Environmental nongovernmental organizations have welcomed the move. After prolonged talks, regulators have finalized the revised directive, emphasizing stronger and more consistent punitive measures across the EU as a meaningful step toward improving environmental protection and public safety.
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