European Union: Crime

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.

En 2026, l'utilisateur d'IPTV pirate risque bien plus qu'une simple amende : casier judiciaire, vol de données bancaires et cyberattaques transforment le « bon plan » en cauchemar juridique et numérique.

Bettina Knoetzl, Vice President of the Vienna Bar Association, addresses the alarming rise of online hate speech against women, highlighting that nearly 70% of gender-based hate crimes target girls and women. The article examines gaps in Austria's legal framework and proposes stronger protections through enhanced legislation, mandatory training for legal professionals, and effective damage claims to hold perpetrators accountable.

From 24 January the violation of EU international sanctions has become a criminal violation, also triggering the criminal liability of corporations.

This year has been a strained year for Belgium's criminal justice system, marked by mounting budgetary and staffing pressures that have left prosecutors and judges openly questioning their ability to keep pace.

France experienced a notable escalation in enforcement in 2025, driven by broader reliance on criminal conspiracy charges and a sharper focus on complex organized and financial crime, including tax fraud.

The recent judgment of the Cyprus Court of Appeal in CCSRE Real Estate Company Ltd v. Theodorou Menelaou (Crim. App. 94/2022, 31.10.2025) brings to the forefront a long-standing yet sensitive issue: when does a tenant's continued occupation of a property

Cyprus has enacted a new sanctions framework that criminalises the violation or circumvention of EU restrictive measures.

Recently, various cases have arisen – from ‘spiking' committed by bar staff and the case of rape in Leuven to the prosecution of various public figures – that have once again fuelled debate within society on the subject of consent and about unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour.