Note: A proposal or suggestion may or may not be adopted. In the very next paragraph, a "proposal" becomes an "obligation"... In the context of the European Green Deal, there has yet to be an explanation as to how various European bureaucratic structures will be reorganised or transformed to become more environmentally friendly.

The European Commission (EC) has adopted a proposal for a new European Union (EU) directive that will allow for the combatting of environmental crimes, thereby implementing the commitments of the European Green Deal, the EC Representation in Latvia's Press Office informed the LETA agency.

The aim of the proposal is to improve the effectiveness of environmental protection through criminal law measures. It defines new environmental crimes, sets minimum sanctions, and strengthens the effectiveness of cooperation between law enforcement authorities.

It also places an obligation on member states to support and assist people who report environmental offences and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. This proposal will help protect nature and its resources, as well as public health and well-being, the EC states.

The proposal defines new EU-wide environmental criminal offences, including the illegal timber trade, illegal ship recycling, or illegal water extraction. Furthermore, the proposal clarifies current definitions of criminal offences in the environmental sphere and ensures greater legal certainty.
Photo by Leo Thomas