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DRAFT RECOMMENDATION (05824/2026 – C100035/20026 – 2025/0244(NLE))

On the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law

JURI-PR-786991

Committee on Legal Affairs · Rapporteur: Ilhan Kyuchyuk

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The draft report recommends that Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law. The Convention replaces a 1998 instrument and sets binding international standards for criminalising serious environmental offences, with effective sanctions, prevention measures, and international cooperation.

Committee position. The rapporteur fully recommends that Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the new Convention.

Key points

  1. Parliament gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.
  2. The new Convention replaces the 1998 one and includes definitions of serious environmental offences, provisions on jurisdiction, sanctions, confiscation, reinstatement, corporate liability, and cooperation.
  3. The Convention establishes binding international standards for criminalising serious environmental offences punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.
  4. It strengthens prevention measures and international cooperation, including cross-border investigations, information exchange, and collection of statistical data.
  5. For EU member states, the Convention is consistent with Directive (EU) 2024/1203, but they can go beyond its requirements.
  6. The Convention enters into force upon ten ratifications, including at least eight by Council of Europe member states.
  7. The Convention is open for signature by non-member states that participated in its elaboration and by the EU.

Who is affected

  • EU member states, which will apply the Convention's standards, consistent with EU law.
  • Neighbouring countries, which upon entry into force will apply criminal law standards consistent with the EU's.
  • Council of Europe member states and non-member states that participated in the elaboration, as well as the EU, may sign.

Figures and deadlines

  • Ten ratifications, including at least eight by Council of Europe member states, are required for entry into force.

Legal basis: Article 83(2) and Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union