The European Chamber gives the green light to the directive which updates the list and sanctions for environmental crimes.
The new directive, agreed by Parliament and the Council on 16 November 2023, was adopted with 499 votes in favour, 100 against and 23 abstentions.
The text includes an updated list of criminal offences, including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources, serious breaches of European legislation on chemicals and pollution from ships.
MPs ensured that the new rules include so-called "qualified" crimes, such as large-scale forest fires or widespread pollution of air, water and soil, which degrade ecosystems and constitute ecocide.
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