EU Imposes Up to 10-Year Sentences for Deadly Environmental Crimes

Tejal Somvanshi Tejal Somvanshi

New EU regulation enforces 10-year sentences for deadly environmental crimes.

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European Parliament and Council approve the expanded list of eco-offenses.

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Illegal ship recycling and timber trafficking are now criminal acts in the EU.

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Directive covers serious violations of chemical and mercury laws.

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Qualified crimes causing widespread destruction face severe penalties.

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EU member states must adapt national laws to enforce new rules.

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Vera Jourova emphasizes the criminality of breaching environmental obligations.

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Companies may face fines up to 40 million euros for environmental crimes.

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Waste export rules tighten, affecting non-OECD countries from 2027.

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