On 24–25 September 2025, Kraków, Poland, hosted the 30th Council of Europe Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services (CDPPS) under the theme “Can we move away from the overuse of penal sanctions?”. The event gathered high-level participants — Directors General from member and observer states and representatives of the supporting organisations.
Continue readingNew Vodcast Episode: Katharina Heitz on the Ressources-Risk-Inventory in Probation
CEP at ESC 2025: Penal Policy Transfer and Ageing in Prison in Focus
The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) had a strong presence at the 25th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology (EUROCRIM 2025), held in Athens from 3 to 6 September 2025. As one of Europe’s largest gatherings of criminologists, the ESC annual conference brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to exchange knowledge on crime, justice, and social responses. This year’s theme was “Logos of Crime and Punishment,” inspired by classical Greek philosophy.
Continue readingHave Your Say: EU Call for Evidence on the Digitalisation of Justice (2025–2030)
Parole Futures
New Vodcast Episode: Prof. Bernd Maelicke on The Prison-Dilemma
The 13th episode of Division_Y features an in-depth conversation with Prof. Bernd Maelicke, one of Germany’s most respected voices in prison and probation reform.
Continue readingCEP Ambassador Steve Pitts Receives Prestigious Japanese Honour
We are pleased to share that CEP Ambassador Steve Pitts has been awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette by the Government of Japan. The honour was officially presented on 25th July 2025 at a formal ceremony held at the Japanese Ambassador‘s residence in London, hosted by the Japanese Ambassador.
Continue readingMark Your Calendars: Exciting Probation Events Ahead
As the season continues, we’re looking ahead to a dynamic line-up of events across Europe. From specialised workshops to international training and conferences, there’s something valuable for everyone working in probation and beyond.
New Vodcast Episode: Tobias Merckle on Free Forms of Juvenile Detention
Recap: Criminal Justice Summer Course 2025
Criminal Justice Summer Course 2025: How to Promote Change: Strengthening the Professional Role within Restorative Justice, Probation Services, and Prisons. From 1-4 July, 2025, the 7th edition of the Criminal Justice Summer Course, welcomed over 50 professionals from across Europe and beyond at CEJFE in Barcelona.
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