Projects
ERA project
Prison population rates within the EU still differentiate greatly from Member State to Member State, with the highest numbers still registered in the majority of newer Member States that joined after 2004. There is also a varying picture when it comes to the application of non-custodial sanctions and measures throughout the EU’s Member States, with there being a clear need to increase awareness about such alternative measures and their application amongst relevant practitioners in many Member States.
This clearly shows that more must be done to demonstrate the effectiveness of relevant EU instruments to reduce prison populations, use pre-trial detention as a measure of last resort and to consider the use of non-custodial sanctions and measures as an alternative. Moreover, a specific need for continuous training for magistrates at all stages of their career on all the mutual recognition instruments covered by this project has been identified, with there especially being a lack of knowledge and experience among practitioners as regards Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA on probation and alternative sanctions and 2009/829/JHA on the European Supervision Order (ESO), which is an obstacle to a more frequent application of these instruments.
The project offers a comprehensive overview of EU instruments of mutual legal assistance and mutual legal recognition in the field of deprivation or restriction of liberty, placing them within the wider context of the applicable Council of Europe recommendations and the relevant ECtHR and CJEU judgments, with the aim of facilitating better cross-border cooperation among Member States and raising awareness of alternatives to detention.
CEP is an Associated partner in this project.
Partner organisations
Our knowledge of Framework Decisions
The European Union and the Council of Europe have become increasingly important players in the development of probation in Europe. CEP is not only the voice of probation in Europe, it also wants to stimulate and support initiatives of international cooperation on probation and on the implementation of EU regulations. Below you will find all the information about the implementation of Framework Decisions 2009/829/JHA and 2008/947/JHA.
Related News
Check out the latest news and updates on this project’s focus area.
New
CEP
Newsletter August 2026 out now
27/08/2026
CEP’s latest newsletter is out now! It includes:
- Approaching deadlines for upcoming events (ITSCCS26, 14th EM and DG leadership training) and the Mental Health curriculum pilot)
- Call for European Probation Journal on the topic of Workload in Probation
- EU documents like SPACE II, revised Victims’ Rights directive and so on
- and much more!
New
Caseload and workload
Do you work in probation? We need your voice!
24/08/2026
As part of its long-standing cooperation with research, CEP invites its members to contribute to a special edition of the European Probation Journal on the topic of Workload in Probation.
New
Alternatives to pre-trial detention, Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation, Gender Equality, Probation in Europe
SPACE II report is now available
24/08/2026
The use of community sanctions and measures that allow individuals to remain in the community – also known as alternatives to imprisonment – continues to grow overall in Europe, although at a moderate pace, according to the latest Council of Europe annual penal statistics on persons under the supervision of probation agencies (2025 SPACE II survey).
New
Victims rights
Adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive and call for evidence on EU strategy on victims’ rights
05/08/2026
The Council of the European Union has formally approved a new directive strengthening the rights of victims of crime across the EU. The updated law improves access to information, support, and protection by introducing an EU-wide victim support helpline (116 006), making it easier to report crimes through digital tools, strengthening safeguards for victims’ personal data, expanding child-friendly support services, improving access to legal aid, and helping ensure that victims receive compensation more quickly.
This directive updates the 2012 EU Victims’ Rights Directive and aims to ensure that victims receive more consistent and effective support across all Member States. Following its publication in the Official Journal, Member States will have 24 months to transpose the new rules into national law. For more information, see the Council of the European Union’s press release: Council greenlights law reinforcing protection of victims’ rights and check out the revised Victims’ Rights.
Probation Journal
juvenile offenders, Probation in Europe
Overview of Probation Procedures for Juveniles and Adults in Albania
22/07/2026
The Albanian Probation Service plays an important role in the implementation of alternative sanctions and measures for both juveniles and adults. Through supervision, assessment, and rehabilitation-oriented interventions, the Service aims to support compliance with court decisions, reduce the risk of reoffending, and promote the successful reintegration of individuals into society.
Community Sanctions and Measures
Nelson Mandela day
18/07/2026
Nelson Mandela Day reminds us that justice is not only about accountability – it is also about hope. Mandela believed in the dignity of every person and in the possibility of change. These principles are at the heart of probation.
Across Europe, probation professionals work every day to support people in taking responsibility for their actions, rebuilding their lives and successfully reintegrating into their communities. By promoting rehabilitation, social inclusion and human dignity, probation helps reduce reoffending and contributes to safer, more resilient societies.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.