Environmental crime is the third largest organized crime globally, causing annual financial losses between €102 and €261 billion, increasing by 5% to 7% each year. Key issues include illegal pollution, waste management, wildlife trade, and habitat destruction. Following a new European Directive, Slovakia and Romania are taking action against these crimes, with Slovakia closing an illegal landfill and Romania implementing a wood traceability system. The updated directive aims to harmonize law enforcement and introduce stricter penalties for environmental crimes. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)