Previous Article
News
A new project: Probation Observatory. Network and Training (PONT)!
Although they were adopted in 2008 and 2009, the Council of Europe Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA and Framework Decision 2009/829/JHA (FDs, in short), are still underused by the member states. For example, in 2017 FD 2008/947 was only used in 369 incoming cases and 396 outgoing cases. Despite a small progress in 2018 (544 incoming cases and 548 outgoing cases), its potential is far from being fulfilled. The use of FD 2009/829 is even more critical. Statistical data regarding its utilisation is not even available as there is no dedicated agency dealing with it in the member states.
In order to enhance the use of these two FDs, the European Commission through DG Justice Grants decided to fund the project Probation Observatory. Network and Training (PONT), initiated by the University of Bucharest, in partnership with University Loyola Andalucía, University of Latvia, Ministry of Justice Bremen and the Confederation of European Probation (CEP).
The objectives of the project for the next two years are to offer training to the competent authorities on the two FDs and to create a sustainable network of experts in this field.
Literature and Training
To this end, the project team will conduct a thorough literature review, covering academic papers, grey literature and previous training content. At the same time, based on questionnaires and interviews, they will run a training gap analysis aiming at identifying the training needs of the competent authorities and probation staff in relation to the FDs.
Based on the training gap analysis and the literature review, they will elaborate a comprehensive training platform and deliver training to at least 60 representatives of the competent authorities and probation staff from at least twelve jurisdictions.
As the training will be conducted in a training of trainers fashion, it is expected that the trainees will become resources (trainers and experts) for their own jurisdictions and the surrounding areas.
Information Request
The project builds on the previous projects dedicated to mutual trust and FDs. Therefore, the project team would be grateful for receiving information about any brochure, manual, article or training content that was used in your jurisdiction when preparing for the implementation of the FDs. With your consent, they could be stored in a comprehensive bank of training materials that will be open for anyone interested and could also be used on the training platform developed by this project. This information and others that you think might be of use could be directed to the project leader, prof. Ioan Durnescu, email: idurnescu@gmail.com.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Prof. Ioan Durnescu
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
New
Partners
Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between CEP and RESCALED
11/12/2025
On 10 December 2025, at the CEP Headquarters in Utrecht, CEP and RESCALED signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The MoU was signed by Rogier Elshout, Chair of Rescaled and Jana Špero Kamenjarin, CEP Secretary General, with the signing ceremony attended by Helen De Vos, Rescaled Executive Director and Daniel Danglades, CEP Vice-President.
Through this partnership, both organizations will work together to develop joint activities, exchange expertise, and support initiatives that advance their shared objectives.
This MoU reflects a commitment to transparent communication and the creation of new opportunities for joint projects and broader community impact.
New
Human rights and ethics
10 December – Human Rights Day
10/12/2025
CEP champions human rights because protecting dignity, fairness and equality is at the heart of effective probation. On 10 December, Human Rights Day, CEP celebrates the principle that everyone deserves respect and justice. Across Europe, CEP promotes social inclusion and supports the reintegration of people in contact with the criminal justice system. CEP strengthens community-based alternatives to imprisonment that reduce reoffending and build safer societies, advances professional and ethical probation practice, and connects practitioners, policymakers and researchers to share knowledge and promote humane justice. For CEP, justice is not only about punishment but also about opportunity, rehabilitation and respect for all.
Recap
CEP Events
Recap: First face-to-face meeting of the Expert Group Chairs
10/12/2025
On 9 December 2025, the CEP Office in Utrecht hosted the first face-to-face meeting of the Expert Group Chairs. The purpose of this meeting was to reintroduce the work of the Expert Groups and explore connections between work plans, opportunities for cooperation, and areas of common interest.
Recap
Framework Decisions
Recap: ERA seminar “Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA and 2009/829/JHA and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU”
09/12/2025
On 4–5 December 2025, CEP representatives Gerry McNally, Danijela Mrhar Prelić and Pia Andersson attended the ERA seminar “Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA and 2009/829/JHA and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU” in Vilnius.
Recap
Probation in Europe, Probation outside Europe
20th anniversary of Probation Service in Türkiye
08/12/2025
CEP had the privilege of participating in the Turkish Probation System 20th Year International Congress, marking the 20th anniversary of the Probation Service in Türkiye, held from 1–3 December 2025 at ATGV in Antalya.
Recap
CEP-Europris, Probation in Europe
Recap of CEP and EuroPris Meeting with Catalan Authorities
04/12/2025
On 3 December, on the occasion of the joint CEP and EuroPris Workshop on Transition from Prison to Probation held at the Centre for Legal Studies and Judicial Training (CEJFE) in Barcelona, representatives from both international organisations met with senior officials from the Catalan Ministry of Justice to present their current work, reflect on ongoing cooperation, and explore shared priorities for future collaboration.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.