Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF

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THE COUNCIL on the protection of the environment through

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criminal law - IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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European Commission

2007

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Identification of the problem 4

1.1 Definition of environmental crime. 4

1.2. Characteristics of environmental crime . 6

1.2.1 The nature of environmental crime 6

1.2.2. Extent and scope of environmental crime 6

1.2.3. Links with organised environmental crime 11

1.3. Underlying causes of environmental crime 12

1.3.1. High profits 12

1.3.2. Growing international trade . 13

1.3.2. Low risk of detection . 13

1.3.3. Insufficient sanctions . 14

1.4. Effects of environmental crime 18

1.5. What has been done so far? 20

1.6. Does the EU have the right to act?. 21

1.7. How would the problem evolve if the current approach were continued ? . 22

2. Procedural issues and consultation of interested parties 22

3. Objectives. 23

3.1. General Objective - More effective protection of the environment. 23

3.2. Specific Objective - Strengthen compliance with EC environmental policy. 23

3.3. Specific Objective: Ensure a level playing field for individuals and businesses and avoid safe-

havens for criminals in the Community . 24

4. Policy Options 24

4.1. Broad Policy Option 1: No action on EC level 24

4.2. Broad Policy Option 2: Encourage cooperation between Member States . 25

4.3. Broad policy Option 3: Set minimum regulatory standards. 25

4.3.1. Definition of criminal offences in the field of environment 25

4.3.2. Approximation of the Scope of Liability . 26

4.3.3. Approximation of penalties 26

5. Impact of options 27

5.1. Impact on the Protection of the Environment 27

5.1.1. Impact of Broad Policy Option 1 . 27

5.1.2. Impact of Broad Policy Option 2 . 28

5.1.3. Impact of Broad Policy Option 3 . 28

5.2. Impact on police and judicial cooperation . 28

5.2.1. Impact of Broad Policy Option 1 . 28

5.2.2. Impact of Broad Policy Option 2 . 28

5.2.3. Impact of Broad Policy Option 3 . 29

5.3. Impact on businesses 29

5.3.1. Impact of Broad Policy Options 1 and 2 29

5.3.2. Impact of Broad Policy Option 3 . 29

5.4. Impact on public authorities. 30

5.4.1. Impact of Broad Policy Options 1 30

5.4.2. Impact of Broad Policy Option 2 . 30

5.4.3. Impact of Broad Policy Option 3 . 30

6. Comparison of policy options 34

6.1. Preferable broad policy option: Action by the EC legislature . 34

6.2. Preferable sub-options35

6.2.1. Harmonizing the definition of serious environmental offences. 35

6.2.2. Defining the scope of liability of both for natural and legal persons. 36

6.2.3. Approximation of penalties 36

6.3. Why the action is in line with the subsidiarity and proportionality principles 37

7. Monitoring and evaluation .39