The Convention on the protection of the environment through criminal law adopted by the MEPs

MEPs have approved the conclusion of the new Convention of the Council of Europe (the leading and oldest European human rights organisation) on the protection of the environment through criminal law, by 499 votes in favour, 99 against and 69 abstentions, during a plenary session in Strasbourg on 8 July 2026.

This Convention, adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 3 April 2025 and opened for signature on 3 December 2025, “establishes binding international standards for the definition and criminalisation of environmental offences, punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions”, states the explanatory memorandum to the recommendation by rapporteur Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew).

It also aims to strengthen preventive measures and international co-operation…