MEPs toughen rules against environmental crimes

Illegal timber trade, pollution caused by ships, violations of laws on chemicals… MEPs voted on Tuesday February 27 to extend the list of environmental crimes and harmonized sanctions in the European Union. Among the new offenses are the import and use of mercury and fluorinated greenhouse gases, the importation of invasive species and the illegal depletion of water resources.

The legislation also introduces the so-called qualified offense aimed at causing the destruction of an ecosystem, such as widespread pollution or large-scale forest fires, offenses commonly known as ecocides. The adopted text modifies a 2008 European directive deemed ineffective against growing environmental crime. It was adopted by 499 votes in favor and 100 votes against, including nearly 60 deputies from a far-right group.

Strengthening sanctions

The revised directive provides, on the sanctions side, fines and prison sentences harmonized across the continent. Those found guilty of environmental offenses resulting in death could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison. THE “qualified offenses” will be punished with eight years in prison. Other offenses will be punishable by five years’ imprisonment depending on factors such as durability, seriousness or reversibility.

In the most serious cases, companies in violation will be fined 5% of their annual global turnover or 40 million euros. And they may be deprived of public funding and will be required to repair the damage and compensate the victims. “Polluters will be punished. And anyone occupying a management position in a polluting company can be held responsible, in the same way as the company itself, this is a major step forward”reacted the Dutchman Antonius Manders, rapporteur of the text.