Croatia to introduce ecocide laws and restrict agricultural subsidies

agricultural subsidies environmental crime ecocide Criminal Code amendments Croatia

Croatian officials have announced significant legislative changes aimed at environmental protection and the regulation of agricultural subsidies. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that amendments to the Criminal Code, which include the introduction of the crime of ecocide and stricter penalties for environmental offenses, are expected to be presented to the Government on September 10.

Justice Minister Damir Habijan proposed increasing the maximum fine for legal entities involved in ecocide from 25 million to 50 million euros. The proposed changes also include the introduction of life imprisonment for certain severe crimes.

Separately, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić announced that the state will seek to bar individuals from receiving agricultural subsidies if they are found to be inciting fires or celebrating Great Serbian aggression against Croatia. Vlajčić noted that he is working with the Ministry of Justice to establish a legal framework for these restrictions that complies with the Croatian Constitution and EU regulations.

In the Lika region, specifically Gospić, the government is addressing the issue of illegally deposited waste. Prime Minister Plenković confirmed that tenders have been received for the removal of hazardous waste and the temporary covering of contaminated areas to prevent environmental damage.

Entities

Andrej Plenković · Croatia · Damir Habijan · David Vlajčić · Gospić · Government of Croatia · Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries · Ministry of Justice and Administration

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Recent fires in Omiš caused an estimated 4.5 million euros in damage to vineyards, olive groves, and orchards.
[● 3 SOURCES] Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced that amendments to the Criminal Code introducing stricter environmental penalties will be presented to the Government on September 10. prigorski.hr · www.vecernji.hr
[● 5 SOURCES] Individuals who incite fires or celebrate Great Serbian aggression against Croatia will be barred from receiving agricultural subsidies. kalesijski.ba · kamenjar.com · www.jutarnji.hr · www.novilist.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] The Minister is seeking a legal framework compliant with the Croatian Constitution and EU regulations to implement these restrictions. kalesijski.ba · www.jutarnji.hr · www.novilist.hr
[● 2 SOURCES] The maximum fine for ecocide will be increased to 50 million euros. www.poslovni.hr