At the time when great emphasis is being placed on environmental protection as well as on the introduction of environmental safeguards, we are faced with an undesirable phenomenon—environmental crime. Environmental crime represents one of the fastest growing security issues. It is a criminal activity, and like other crimes, it has serious consequences that are costly to eliminate. This article uses systematic analysis and, through scientific methods, points out the growth of environmental crime in Slovakia. At the same time, it introduces possible prevention tools. Our aim is to specify the term ‘environmental crime’, present the legal aspects of environmental crimes by focusing on Slovak legal regulation, extend the topic to bentonite mining and processing companies, map environmental crime in the EU Member States, and clarify the nature of environmental crime as well as the legal basis for the protection of the environment in Slovakia. The findings and conclusions have the potential to introduce a new approach to mapping the topic of environmental crimes, provide recommendations for the prevention of this type of crime, and open a discussion on the actual global problem. It is evident that the effective fight with environmental crime requires a complex and multidisciplinary approach at all levels. This includes, in particular, the use of relevant national policies and instruments, as well as those of the European Union and other international organizations.

The judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union as of 6 March 2018 in Case C-284/16 changed the system and coordination of investment relations of the Member States of the European Union. The judgment set a fundamental precedent that changed the system of international investment law and placed the investment arbitration, conducted due to bilateral investment agreements between the EU and the Member States. The aim of the scientific study is to point to the new generation of the EU investment agreements which, in accordance with their importance, will influence the development of international investment relations between EU Member States and non-member countries of the world. The study was elaborated on the analysis of the rules of legal logic, systematics, accuracy and the generalization of conclusions. The analysis and interpretation of obtained results have proved that the traditional system of international investment agreements is being changed. A new model is emerging in the regime of investment agreement of the European Union.

The European Green Deal creates a framework for sustainable business and for the implementation of new models of business and service provision. Sustainable business promoted by the European Union is determined by the enforcement of common measures in all EU member states. The paper aims to clarify a new business model, namely a sustainable business model, adopted by business companies which incorporate sustainability into the management and management systems of the company and make managerial decisions with regard to the protection of human rights and the protection of the environment. By using scientific methods such as a systematic analysis of valid legislation framework of sustainable business, a survey of factors influencing sustainable business, synthesis of acquired knowledge, and the comparison of acquired data, the authors formulated recommendations regarding sustainable business. A key aspect of sustainable business is the business environment, based on the principles of fairness, transparency, environmental sustainability, decent work and human dignity. Sustainable businesses are a benefit to the economy of each EU member state and a source of growth and employment. The benefit of the paper is to highlight of the EU activities, promoting sustainable development and the transition of economies and business companies to sustainability.