Europe tightens regulations against environmental crime

New directive establishes criminal penalties and increases financial penalties

The new European Directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law is now in force and contains the complete and updated list of environmental offenses that will address the most serious offenses. These will be punishable by five, eight or up to ten years’ imprisonment, depending on the case. This tightening of regulations is in response to the fact that environmental crime is increasing at a rate of 7% per year in the EU and generates up to 230 billion euros in losses, making it one of the fastest growing forms of crime in the world.

The offences related to the intentional conduct referred to in this Directive may trigger catastrophic results, such as widespread pollution, industrial accidents with serious effects on the environment or large-scale forest fires. Where an offence causes widespread and substantial damage that is irreversible or long-lasting to the quality of air, soil or water or causes the destruction of a natural environment, it should constitute a qualifying offence, comparable to ecocide.

For the first time, sanctions will also apply to legal entities.

From now on, Member States have two years to adapt their national laws to the directive.