Today, 17 September 2026, Latvia became the first Council of Europe member State to ratify the Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law (CETS No. 228), marking an important step towards strengthening the international criminal-law response to environmental crime.

Opened for signature on 3 December 2025, the Convention is the only international legally binding instrument specifically addressing environmental crime. It establishes common standards for preventing and combating serious environmental offences and strengthens national and international co-operation, including through provisions on corporate responsibility, sanctions and jurisdiction.

Latvia’s ratification contributes to the Convention’s entry into force and sends an important signal of support for stronger and more co-ordinated criminal-law protection of the environment across Europe.