Environmental crime is the fourth-largest criminal activity in the world, growing at a rate of between 5 % and 7 % per year, according to an Interpol and UN Environment Programme estimate. This increase, combined with the organised, transnational nature of environmental crime, requires administrative, law enforcement and judicial authorities to adopt a coordinated approach at both national and international level.

The report summarises the experiences encountered in the nearly 60 cross-border environmental criminal cases referred to Eurojust during the five-year period from 2014 to 2018. The report provides a concise overview of the legal and operational challenges arising in such cases. It highlights best practice to help national authorities to overcome these challenges, build trust, develop sustainable cooperation within the European Union and with non-EU countries, ensure efficiency during investigations and achieve successful prosecutions.