European Parliament approves expanding the list of environmental crimes and toughening penalties

Plenary Session of European Parliament has supported the directive agreed with Member States this week to expand the current list of environmental crime, which will henceforth include illegal timber trade and depletion of water resources. Restrictions have also been tightened for individuals and companies.

The new directive was adopted with 499 votes in favor, 100 against and 23 abstentions. This includes an updated list of criminal offenses These include illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources, serious violations of EU chemicals legislation and pollution caused by ships.

New “qualifying crime”

new instruction This includes a “qualifying crime”It is understood to be that which is done intentionally and which causes either destruction or widespread and substantial damage, of irreversible or permanent nature, to the ecosystem of significant size or environmental value, to the natural habitat, or quality, within the protected area. Of air, soil or water.

these notions They can be compared to eco-genocide and can be sentenced to eight years in prison, The penalty will be increased to ten years if they cause the death of a person, while the rest of the violations will be punishable by up to five years in jail.

Environmental crimes committed by individuals and company representatives will be punishable by prison terms depending on the duration, severity or reversibility of the damage. Besides, Violators will be required to restore the damaged environment And they may also have to pay a fine.

fines for companies

In the case of companies, the fine will amount to between 3% and 5% of their annual worldwide turnover or, alternatively, up to 24 or 40 million euros. Depending on the nature of the crime, further member states can decide whether or not to prosecute criminal offenses that did not occur on their territory.

Furthermore, Member States will need to ensure that training is provided for those working on the detection, investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes, such as judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officers.