Environmental crime is one of the world’s most profitable forms of organised criminal activity, with significant consequences for both the environment and public health. Addressing these offences requires strong cooperation between judicial and law enforcement professionals, as well as effective cross-border investigation and prosecution tools.
To support these efforts, EJTN, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), and the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) organised a joint training activity in Lisbon from 28 September to 2 October 2026. The activity brought together 37 participants from across Europe, including 26 law enforcement professionals, nine judges and prosecutors, and two renowned experts in EU environmental criminal law, to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation in tackling environmental crime.
The training was aimed at enhancing the fight against all forms of environmental crimes by sharing intelligence, investigation, enforcement and cooperation practices, as well as promoting the use of EU tools, cross-border intelligence exchange, and the application of financial investigative techniques in environmental crime cases.
Professor Antonio Brito Neves of the University of Lisbon presented the new Environmental Crime Directive, which introduces several new offences, establishes specific types and levels of penalties, and emphasises adequate resource allocation, cross-border cooperation, awareness-raising, and support for environmental defenders.
Participants also explored key challenges in investigating and prosecuting cross-border environmental crimes, as well as the role of prosecutors as key enforcers in the protection of the environment and the use of judicial cooperation tools, with Piotr Nowak, Senior Public Prosecutor and member of the European Network of Prosecutors for the Environment (ENPE).
Through practical workshops based on a learning-by-doing methodology, participants strengthened their understanding of the challenges involved in combating environmental crime across borders while enhancing cooperation and coordination among the different actors involved.
EJTN extends its sincere thanks to CEPOL and GNR for their excellent cooperation in organising this activity, and in particular to Fernando Carlos Dias Alves, Tomás Silva, and Sandra Esteves for their dedication and contribution to its success.
For all 2026 training activities under the Criminal Justice portfolio, visit our Online Training Catalogue: https://catalogue.ejtn.eu/seminars-and-webinars/listing?topic=criminal-law
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