Prevention of environmental crimes according to Directive (EU) 2024/1203 on the protection of the environment through criminal law

URL: https://dspace.academy.police.md/prevention-of-environmental-crimes-according-to-directive-eu-2024-1203-on-the-protection-of-the-environment-through-criminal-law/

Data: 2025

Within the current context of the climate crisis and accelerated ecosystem degradation, knowledge about environmental crimes is gaining increasing importance at the national, regional and global levels. Environmental crimes, defined as illegal acts that negatively affect the natural environment, represent one of the fastest growing forms of crime at European level. The relevance of this field is also supported by recent legislative developments. At EU level, the adoption of the 2024 Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law marks a landmark moment. It significantly expands the list of recognized environmental crimes, establishes more severe sanctions and imposes clearer liability for legal persons, reflecting the EU’s increased concern for environmental threats combating.