| Popis: |
Research into environmental crimes is almost non-existent in Cyprus. This chapter analyses the regulation of water crimes in Cyprus at different levels of governance, from the international, to the European, to the local. It traces key legislation applicable in relation to the protection of the environment in Cyprus, while highlighting the shortcomings of its effective enforcement. The chapter identifies the progress made at EU level in improving enforcement through criminalisation of infringements of key environmental law directives, including the Water Framework Directive. This progress, however, does not necessarily translate into effective enforcement through criminal law at the national level given the discretion granted to Member States in determining the severity of offences and ensuring their enforcement. Within this context, the chapter assesses the prevailing situation in Cyprus, emphasizing the institutional weaknesses of the authorities responsible for enforcement and analyzing key criminal cases before Cypriot courts that demonstrate the long way to go in achieving effective enforcement of criminal law relating to water offences. |
