EU introduces jail sentence, fine for environmental crimes

The European Union’s new law defines ecocide and imposes tougher penalties for ecosystem destruction, with member states now tasked to incorporate the directive into national law within two years

The European Union has taken a historic step by becoming the first international body to criminalize the most severe forms of environmental damage, a move described as “comparable to ecocide.”

Under this new law, ecocide is defined as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment.”

The updated environmental crime directive of the EU will impose harsher penalties and prison terms for activities leading to ecosystem destruction, including habitat loss and illegal logging.

In a decisive vote in the European Parliament, the measure was overwhelmingly supported with 499 votes in favor, 100 against and 23 abstentions.

Member states now have a two-year period to incorporate this directive into their national laws. They will have the option to impose fines on companies, which could be up to 5% of their turnover depending on the severity of the crime, or fixed fines of up to 40 million euros ($43.44 million).

Despite progress, environmental crimes still persist in Europe. The European Environmental Bureau’s report on combating environmental crime highlights instances such as illegal fishing of bluefin tuna, industrial pollution in protected areas, illegal hunting practices, and fraud in the carbon market. These crimes had previously gone unpunished due to gaps in the old directive.

Individuals found guilty of environmental crimes, including CEOs and board members, could face prison sentences of up to eight years, which can be extended to 10 years if their actions result in the loss of life.

Source: Newsroom

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