A Comparative Study of State Civil Liability for Environmental Damage in the European Union and Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammadreza Taghizadeh 1
Akram Tajik 2
Hossein Miri 3
1 PhD Candidate, Department of Law, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Gonbad Kavoos Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gonbad Kavoos, Iran.
10.22034/eiat.2026.248441
Abstract
The Industrial Revolution, while transforming economic, social, and cultural life, has also had destructive environmental consequences, including the degradation of natural resources, the loss of ecosystems, and intensified water, soil, and air pollution. In response, various legal, political, and economic measures have been developed at domestic and international levels to protect the environment and remedy environmental damage. This study comparatively examines civil liability for environmental damage under Iranian and European Union law. Its main question concerns the most significant differences between the two legal systems in this area. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method and library-based sources. The findings show that the EU legal system, particularly under the 2004 Environmental Liability Directive, relies on the precautionary, preventive, and polluter-pays principles, together with a risk-based approach, to require Member States and polluters to prevent harm, cooperate, and provide remediation. By contrast, Iranian law addresses environmental civil liability only in a fragmented and limited manner and remains largely fault-based, reflecting a more reactive and less effective approach to civil protection of the environment.
Keywords
European Union, Iran, Environmental Damage, Environment
Civil Liability
Subjects
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