The European Harmonisation in the Sector of Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law: The Results Achieved and Further Needs for Intervention

Abstract

The article analyses the results achieved by European harmonisation on the protection of the environment through criminal law. The article illustrates the relationship between the needs of harmonisation of environmental criminal legislation and the evolution of ‘European criminal law’. It examines the issue of the correct criteria of ‘European criminal policy’ and analyses the obligations established by the Directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law in the light of these criteria. Based on the results of this analysis, the article identifies the further need for intervention by the European legislator and the basis on which this intervention can be achieved.