Environmental crime and the Nature Restoration Law: two European victories for the environment !
Two victories, after two long struggles. On 27 February, the European Parliament adopted two decisive texts in favour of the ecological transition.
Firstly, the last-minute adoption of the European Nature Restoration Law, after a long and difficult process. The report is a key element of the Green Pact, and was the subject of profound disagreement between the different sides of the political spectrum and was adopted by a majority: 329 votes in favour, 275 against and 24 abstentions. It sets a target of restoring at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea area by 2030, and all degraded ecosystems by 2050. To achieve this, EU countries must restore at least 30% of specific habitats (forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, lakes and coral reefs) by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050. At present, more than 80% of European habitats are in poor condition. The Member States have two years to submit their draft national restoration plans to the Commission. A specific programme for agricultural land has been adopted. EU countries will have to improve two of the following three indicators: the grassland butterfly index, the carbon stock in cultivated soils and the proportion of high-diversity agricultural land.
Secondly, the adoption of a directive laying out stricter rules for fighting environmental crime and introducing tougher penalties. It includes an extended update of the list of criminal offences, including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources, serious breaches of EU legislation on chemicals and pollution caused by ships, widespread air, water and soil pollution, and forest fires. The text aims to impose criminal penalties on those responsible for these offences. For individuals and company representatives, crimes will carry prison sentences of up to 10 years. For companies, the fines could range from 3 to 5% of their annual worldwide turnover or up to €40 million. A “crucial victory” according to Member of the European Parliament Marie Toussaint, “which lays the foundations for the recognition of ecocide” at European level. Environmental crime is the fourth biggest criminal activity worldwide.
[Translate NSS EPALE France]
