Three MEPs have asked the European Commission to clarify the state of play of the transposition of the EU directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law, warning that most member states missed the 21 May 2026 deadline. The written question, tabled on 8 June 2026 by Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE) and Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), urges the Commission to use its powers as guardian of the treaties to prevent persistent delays and ensure ambitious implementation backed by sufficient resources.
The directive, adopted to combat environmental crimes often linked to organised crime, requires member states to adopt national measures. The MEPs ask three concrete questions: the current transposition status across member states; the timetable and methodology for assessing the effectiveness of national measures; and further initiatives to ensure uniform implementation, particularly regarding Article 23 on statistical data.
The question signals concern that divergences in application could undermine the directive's impact on biodiversity and public health. It also calls for enhanced cooperation between national authorities, European agencies and civil society, and for protection of environmental defenders.
Under EU rules, the Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will indicate whether the Commission plans to launch infringement procedures or provide additional guidance to member states.