Latvia's parliament toughens criminal penalties for environmental crimes

On Thursday, members of Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, gave final approval to amendments to the Criminal Law that significantly broaden and strengthen criminal liability for environmental crimes. Lawmakers also passed related amendments to the law governing the entry into force and application of the Criminal Law.

The changes are needed to transpose into Latvian legislation a 2024 European Parliament and Council directive on the criminal-law protection of the environment. The directive replaces earlier EU rules and sets unified minimum standards across all member states, aiming to reduce environmental crime, ensure more effective investigations, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.

Broader scope of liability

According to the Ministry of Justice, Latvia's existing legal framework already largely meets EU requirements, but the directive covers a wider range of violations, making additional provisions necessary. Going forward, liability for environmental crimes will apply not only when actual damage to the environment has occurred, but also when a person's actions created a risk of significant environmental harm or endangered human health.

Penalties scaled to severity

The new rules set out several tiers of punishment depending on the severity of the offense. The harshest penalty — up to ten years' imprisonment — applies when an environmental violation results in a person's death.

For other especially serious cases, such as the complete destruction of ecosystems or irreversible environmental damage, the maximum sentence is set at eight years in prison. Less severe but still criminally punishable violations are divided into two further categories: offenses causing substantial environmental risk or significant potential harm carry a maximum sentence of five years, while lighter offenses, where the damage is minor or merely potential, carry a maximum sentence of three years.