Protection of the environment through criminal law
01020304
With the European Parliament.
Last active 08 Jul 2026
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What this bill does
In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.
The proposal lets the EU join a convention that sets minimum criminal-law rules to prevent and punish environmental crime.
Who it affects
It affects businesses and individuals involved in pollution, waste, hazardous substances, water use, logging, mining, wildlife, and ship recycling. It also affects public authorities enforcing environmental criminal law.
Core of the proposal
- Approves EU accession to the Council of Europe environmental-crime convention.
- Requires criminal offences for listed illegal pollution, waste, wildlife, mining, and related conduct.
- Makes legal persons liable and supports sanctions, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and procedural cooperation.
- Allows the EU to reserve how “unlawful” and related offence terms are defined.
Latest update
23 Jul 2026The most recent development in this bill's progress.
European Parliament → European Parliament
European Parliament → European Parliament
Documents
3 recentSourcesOEIL