Croatia proposes life imprisonment and ecocide laws

The Croatian government has submitted a package of amendments to the Criminal Code to the Parliament, introducing life imprisonment for the 15 most serious crimes. Scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, the changes allow courts to issue life sentences for offenses currently punished by long-term imprisonment. Under the proposal, inmates may apply for parole after serving 25 years, though release is not automatic and remains subject to judicial decision.

Additionally, the amendments introduce the crime of ecocide, targeting actions that cause catastrophic, long-lasting, and irreversible damage to air, water, soil, and entire ecosystems. The package also defines new crimes against the environment and animal cruelty, while increasing various penalties.

Justice Minister Damir Habijan stated that while some changes align with European Union legislation, the reforms are also driven by a domestic desire to improve the criminal justice system. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković noted that the changes aim to respond to societal realities, particularly regarding serious murders. The proposal also includes the abolition of statutes of limitations for all crimes punishable by life imprisonment or long-term prison sentences.