On 6 November 2025, the CoPPer Final Project Conference took place at Het Nutshuis in The Hague, the Netherlands, marking a milestone in European cooperation and innovation in the field of probation. The event brought together 66 participants representing jurisdictions from Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Portugal, Netherlands, Romania, Estonia, as well as Türkiye and Japan. A clear sign of the growing international interest in the CoPPer project and its outcomes.
Hosted by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and its project partners, the conference offered a comprehensive overview of the project’s journey—its roots, research, training developments, and communication achievements. Throughout the day, partners presented the different work packages of CoPPer, from exploring volunteering in probation systems to shaping a European training programme, building capacity among community-based organisations, and amplifying impact through strategic communication.
The programme featured engaging presentations by Aproximar (Portugal), University College Cork (Ireland), Reclassering Nederland (Netherlands), the Irish Probation Service, European Strategies Consulting (Romania) and CEP, complemented by interactive sessions that encouraged reflection, exchange and lively debate among participants. The interactive discussion on “Insights of CoPPer project” and the “Looking Ahead” panel provided a forward-looking perspective, underlining that this successful collaboration has laid the groundwork for future developments in European volunteering within probation and that the project left a foodprint that goes beyond the tangible outcomes and results of the project.
The atmosphere was vibrant and positive, filled with good energy, inspiring discussions, and a shared sense of achievement. The quality of results and the depth of engagement reflected the dedication and expertise of all partners involved.
This inspiring Conference day followed the project’s final Transnational Partner Meeting, held on 5 November, also in The Hague, where partners finalised the last steps and planned for final stage of the project after more than 3 years working together.
The CoPPer project has truly been a great success—not an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter in promoting volunteering, collaboration, and community engagement across European probation services.
For more information, upcoming publications and materials that will continue to share the lessons, tools, and inspiration from CoPPer’s remarkable journey, check out the website: www.copper-initiative.com
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.
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