EU: Revised Environmental Crimes Directive

On 26 March 2024, the European Parliament formally approved the revised Environment Crime Directive, strengthening the EU’s approach to addressing environmental crime, including the poaching and illegal trade of wild animals. For example, the law now explicitly covers online trade. Furthermore, underwater noise pollution, which poses a significant threat to the welfare of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins, has been included in the list of criminal offences. The revised Directive also introduces specific sanctions for offences related to poaching and trading of animals. However, the law will only apply to offences committed within the boundaries of the EU. Nevertheless, member states have the option to extend their jurisdiction to offences that have been committed beyond their borders. The law replaces the previous Directive which dates back to 2008.