ENVIRONMENT ( France Backs Creation of a "European Green Prosecutor" to Fight Environmental Crime )

Introduction: A New Era in Environmental Justice As environmental crimes continue to rise across Europe—from illegal logging and wildlife trafficking to industrial pollution and toxic waste dumping—the call for a unified legal front is growing louder. In a significant move, France has voiced its support for the creation of a “European Green Prosecutor”, a specialized body under EU jurisdiction that would combat environmental crime across member states. This step marks a major evolution in both environmental and judicial policy, aligning Europe’s legal tools with the urgency of its ecological challenges. This article explores the background, significance, and potential impact of this initiative, and why France is playing a leading role in pushing for such a transformative legal mechanism. 1. What Is a “European Green Prosecutor”? The proposed European Green Prosecutor, or "Parquet Vert Européen" in French, would be a centralized prosecutorial body under the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). Its mission would be to investigate and prosecute crimes against the environment that affect multiple EU member states or have cross-border dimensions. These could include: Illegal trade in endangered species Industrial pollution across borders Waste trafficking between EU nations Illegal fishing in European waters Destruction of protected ecosystems and habitats Much like the EPPO’s role in prosecuting financial crimes like VAT fraud, a green prosecutor would have cross-border jurisdiction and investigative powers to act where national systems may fail or be insufficient. 2. France’s Leadership Role: A Strategic and Moral Choice France’s endorsement is not incidental. The country has long been a vocal advocate of strong environmental policies both within the EU and on the global stage. French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly emphasized the importance of ecological responsibility, and supporting a pan-European environmental justice mechanism aligns with this narrative. During a recent EU Council meeting, French Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti expressed the nation's support, stating that "environmental crime must be treated with the same gravity as financial or organized crime." France sees this new institution as: A tool to harmonize environmental law enforcement across the EU A means to deter major polluters who exploit legal loopholes A strategic instrument to defend European natural resources in a coordinated way 3. Why the EU Needs a Green Prosecutor Despite the EU having some of the world’s strictest environmental regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent. National-level judicial systems vary in their ability—and willingness—to prosecute environmental crimes, especially when they involve large corporations, international networks, or complex technical evidence. Key reasons for a unified approach include: Cross-border crime: Waste trafficking, illegal logging, and pollution often span multiple countries, complicating jurisdiction. Legal fragmentation: Different member states apply EU laws in diverse ways, leading to unequal enforcement. Weak penalties: Environmental crimes often result in small fines, making them “low-risk, high-profit” for offenders. Under-resourced authorities: Many environmental protection agencies and public prosecutors lack the training and capacity to pursue sophisticated cases. 4. Support from Other Member States and NGOs While France’s declaration has grabbed headlines, other countries—including Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium—have also expressed interest in strengthening environmental crime prosecution at the EU level. However, not all member states are fully on board, citing concerns about national sovereignty and judicial independence. Environmental NGOs and civil society groups have largely welcomed the initiative. Organizations like Greenpeace, WWF, and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) argue that this is a critical step toward holding polluters accountable and restoring public trust in environmental governance. 5. What Would a European Green Prosecutor Do? The envisioned prosecutor would: Investigate major environmental offenses that affect two or more EU countries Coordinate joint operations and data sharing between national agencies Ensure uniform application of EU environmental laws Work with Europol and Eurojust for criminal intelligence and prosecution Refer cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union if necessary It could also help standardize definitions of environmental crimes, which currently differ between member states, making prosecution difficult. 6. Examples of Environmental Crime in Europe Numerous recent cases underscore the urgency of such a body: The illegal export of electronic waste from France and Germany to West Africa, violating the Basel Convention Mass deforestation in Eastern Europe, sometimes with alleged political complicity Toxic waste dumping in Italy by organized crime syndicates Overfishing and illegal trawling in the Mediterranean, impacting both EU and North African ecosystems These are just a few examples where a European-level intervention could have accelerated investigations and led to more effective prosecution. 7. Legal and Political Challenges Ahead Establishing a new EU prosecutorial body is not without hurdles. It would likely require: Treaty changes or amendments to the EPPO’s current mandate Unanimous support or enhanced cooperation mechanisms among member states New funding and institutional structures, possibly including environmental forensic units Agreements on data sharing, resource allocation, and jurisdictional boundaries Some countries, especially those wary of further EU integration, may resist the initiative on grounds of sovereignty or budgetary concerns. 8. Potential Impact on Businesses and Industries A European Green Prosecutor could transform the way companies approach environmental compliance. With increased risk of prosecution, industries might: Invest more in cleaner technologies and pollution control Adopt stricter due diligence in supply chains Avoid legal gray areas in waste and resource management Face greater reputational risks in case of prosecution It would also empower whistleblowers and investigative journalists to report violations with the backing of an EU-level legal authority. 9. France’s Broader Climate Diplomacy Strategy Backing the Green Prosecutor is just one part of France’s broader climate diplomacy. France has also: Led calls for international recognition of ecocide as a crime under international law Supported the Green Deal for Europe and the European Climate Law Promoted nature restoration laws and biodiversity protection treaties Supporting a Green Prosecutor thus fits squarely within France’s strategy of projecting environmental leadership in the EU and globally. Conclusion: Toward a Greener, Safer Europe The proposal for a European Green Prosecutor, now championed by France, could become one of the most innovative legal responses to environmental degradation in recent history. By moving from fragmented national efforts to a unified, robust EU-wide enforcement system, Europe has the opportunity to set a global precedent. As the climate and biodiversity crises intensify, strong legal frameworks will be as essential as technological innovation and citizen engagement. France’s support may help turn this vision into a reality, sending a powerful message: environmental crimes are real crimes, and they will be treated as such.