The New Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law
A television interview for Radio Television of Serbia presented the new Convention (CETS No. 228), adopted on 14 May 2025.
Prof. Dr Mirjana Drenovak-Ivanović explained the significance of the Council of Europe’s first legally binding international instrument dedicated to combating environmental crime. The discussion covered criminalisation of the most serious environmental damage and corporate liability.
Particular attention was given to the possible implications of ratification for Serbia: stronger sanctions, specialisation and training of judges and prosecutors, stronger inspection and technical capacities, participation by citizens and civil society organisations and more effective corporate accountability.
The interview presented the new legal instrument to a broader audience immediately after its adoption and explained why implementation requires more than amendments to criminal legislation. Linking sanctions with specialisation, technical capacity and public participation provided a comprehensive account of the conditions for effective environmental protection. The activity disseminated JMC EECL research themes through public media.