The European Union (the "EU") has introduced Directive
2024/1203 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April
2024 on the protection of the environment through criminal law and
replacing Directives 2008/99/EC and 2009/123/EC (the
"Directive"), a legislative act that significantly
reinforces existing environmental protection laws, with a
particular focus on ship recycling practices. One of the most
significant aspects of the Directive is the introduction of
criminal penalties for individuals who violate the newly introduced
ship recycling rules. It is also important to note that both
Directive 2008/99/EC and Directive 2009/123/EC dealt with criminal
liability in the context of environmental protection.
