Environmental crimes are considered one of the most profitable areas of organized crime. Now the EU wants to take more consistent action against it – with tough penalties.
In future, serious crimes that harm the environment will be punishable throughout the EU with high prison sentences and fines. Representatives of the governments of the member states and the European Parliament agreed in Brussels on new rules that are intended to strengthen the prosecution of environmental crimes.
They provide for a more precise definition of the term environmental crime and for stricter penalties. The EU Commission presented a proposal for the new rules at the end of 2021 because the existing requirements were not very effective. The jointly defined crimes will reportedly include trafficking in illegally sourced wood and serious violations of chemical regulations. There is also, for example, the illegal recycling of environmentally harmful ship parts.
At least ten years in prison if the consequences are fatal
Intentionally committed crimes that cause the death of a person will in future be punishable by at least ten years in prison in all Member States. For legal entities such as stock corporations, maximum fines of at least five percent of total global turnover or, alternatively, 40 million euros are envisaged for the most serious crimes. For other crimes, penalties should be at least three percent of the total worldwide turnover or alternatively 24 million euros.
No more access to public money
In addition, the perpetrator can be obliged to restore the previous condition of the environment or to ensure compensation. It may also be excluded from access to public funding or have permits and authorizations revoked.
Environmental crime is one of the world’s most profitable organized crime activities and has a significant impact on the environment and human health, said the Council of Member States on the planned new directive. At the same time, however, it has so far been difficult to detect, prosecute and punish. The agreement must now be confirmed by the Council of Member States and the plenary session of the European Parliament. However, this is considered a formality.