The European Parliament approved the introduction of prison terms and colossal fines for environmental crimes shutterstock

The European Parliament approved the introduction of prison terms and colossal fines for environmental crimes

Katerina Belousova

Environmental crime is one of the most profitable and fastest growing areas of international criminal activity with an annual turnover of over €200 billion

The Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament voted unanimously to strengthen sanctions for persons guilty of environmental crimes, namely fines of up to 10% of the company's turnover and imprisonment for a period of 4 to 10 years.

As all political parties support the amendments, a plenary vote in parliament will be skipped, EURACTIV reports.

It is noted that MEPs expanded the list of offenses in the list of punishable crimes. It will include:

  • illegal timber trade;
  • illegal depletion of water resources;
  • pollution caused by ships;
  • violation of EU legislation on chemicals.

"We have successfully agreed on zero tolerance for crimes that have huge consequences for human health and the environment," said the Parliament's chief negotiator for the EU environmental crime directive, Toin Manders.

The article emphasized that environmental crimes are one of the most profitable and fastest-growing areas of international criminal activity with an annual turnover of more than €200 billion. The European Commission made a proposal to update the relevant directive back in December 2021.

The material said that the sanctions provide that:

  • companies found guilty of crimes against the environment can receive a minimum fine of 10% of their average global turnover for the three previous business years;
  • guilty persons may be imprisoned for a term of 4 to 10 years, depending on the severity;
  • companies may be denied access to government funding or have their licenses revoked;
  • violators will have to restore the damaged environment and pay compensation to victims according to the "polluter pays" principle.

It is noted that e ecological groups welcomed the position of the European Parliament, which is more ambitious than the initial proposal of the European Commission. In particular, regarding a broader definition of environmental damage and its impact on human health.

"With this vote, MEPs show that they recognize the seriousness of environmental crime and understand that having a comprehensive Directive is crucial to finally put an end to this criminal behaviour," said WWF Policy Director Audrey Chambaud.

The material explained that the next step will be trialogues between the European Parliament, the European Commission and EU member states. They are expected to be difficult, due to concerted opposition from EU member states. After all, they are not used to applying sanctions for this type of crime.

Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree on increasing fines for environmental crimes. The maximum possible fine will increase 50 times.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) approved a historic resolution on the negative impact of war on the environment. The document defines the term ecocide and adds it as a new crime in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Related
September 15 – Greenpeace's birthday
September 15 – Greenpeace's birthday

Greenpeace celebrates its 54th birthday

Ukrainians set a record for electric vehicle purchases: why did demand increase?
Ukrainians set a record for electric vehicle purchases: why did demand increase?

Almost 23% more electric vehicles were purchased in Ukraine than a year ago

Trees worth over UAH 77 million were cut down in the Chernobyl zone
Trees worth over UAH 77 million were cut down in the Chernobyl zone

Illegal tree felling continues to be detected in Kyiv region

Farmer almost caused an environmental disaster in Kyiv region: video
Farmer almost caused an environmental disaster in Kyiv region: video

Why law enforcement ‘noticed’ illegal activity only when it began to threaten the security of the entire region is a big question