Tackling environmental crime: lessons from Europe

Researchers dr Anna Matczak and dr Sylvia I. Bergh of the Multilevel Regulation research group started a research project funded by Dutch Police & Science (Politie & Wetenschap) in September 2024. The project focuses on capacity building for enforcement and detection of environmental crimes in Europe, with a specific focus on France, Spain and Sweden.

Why this project?

With the increasing focus on sustainability and the recent adoption of the EU Environmental Crime Directive, the need for effective enforcement of environmental legislation is more urgent than ever. The mission of the Dutch police is to promote a sustainable, healthy and safe living environment. This study contributes to this by learning from approaches in other European countries. 

Environmental crime, such as illegal waste dumping and pollution, is a growing threat to both the environment and society. This project focuses on improving the capacity of the Dutch police to effectively detect and enforce such crimes. 

Goal

The project aims to support the Dutch police in improving its capacity for environmental enforcement. This is achieved by:

• Comparative research: Analysis of how police units in France, Spain and Sweden deal with environmental crime.
• Transfer of best practices: Translating insights into practical recommendations for the Dutch police.<
• International cooperation: Stimulating knowledge exchange and cooperation between European partners.

Activities and results

The project includes several research and cooperation activities:

Fieldwork (January - March 2025):

• Visits to France, Spain and Sweden, with the researchers collaborating with renowned research centres and organisations:
• France: Centre de Recherches Sociologiques sur le Droit et les Institutions Pénales (CESDIP), supervised by Professor Jacques de Maillard.
• Spain: Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza de la Guardia Civil (SEPRONA).<
• Sweden: Institute for Future Studies, with support from Professor Jerzy Sarnecki.
• Capacity building: Development of practical recommendations and tools for the Dutch police.
• Student involvement: Emil Dekker, a fourth-year SSMS student, supports as an intern and research assistant. He combines this with his thesis research on environmental enforcement in the Netherlands.

Contribution to society

The project contributes to strengthening the capacity of the Dutch police to tackle environmental crime, thus contributing to a cleaner and safer living environment. Through international cooperation and knowledge exchange, the project also promotes the broader European approach to environmental crime.

More information

For questions or cooperation opportunities, please contact dr Anna Matczak ([email protected]) and dr Sylvia I. Bergh ([email protected]).