European Union: Criminal Law

A Paris court has delivered its verdict in the landmark Lafarge prosecution, convicting the French cement company and eight former executives of terrorist financing and sanctions violations related to operations in Syria. The case resulted in substantial fines for the company and prison sentences ranging from 18 months to seven years for the convicted executives, with several defendants already signaling their intent to appeal.

Italian law on sexual assault in Italy is primarily governed by Article 609-bis of the Italian Penal Code, which defines sexual violence as any sexual act carried out without the free and explicit consent of the victim, through violence, threats, or abuse of authority.

A new EU Directive on anti-corruption will require significant changes to national laws across Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Poland and the Netherlands. This analysis examines the specific legislative amendments each jurisdiction must implement, from new criminal offenses and penalty regimes to corporate liability frameworks. Poland faces the most substantial overhaul, while other member states will need moderate adjustments to align with the Directive's requirements.